TACLOBAN CITY-The XI Match Against Poverty held last March in Bern, Switzerland raised $190,000 for ongoing recovery efforts in the Philippines where more than 5,000 people lost their lives last November to Typhoon Yolanda, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The announcement was made after all proceeds from ticket sales, broadcast rights, and sponsorships from the March 4 event were received.
“We are proud that UNDP’s 11th Match Against Poverty provided an opportunity for the public to support the affected Filipino communities and help them rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by Yolanda,” said Maurice Dewulf, UNDP Philippines country director.
In a statement, Dewulf also expressed thanks to for the support of the Filipinos on the event.
According to UNDP, the funds for the Philippines will be used to increase awareness of disaster risks among the most disaster-prone communities.
“UNDP will undertake a major sensitization effort, which will include posting in a very large format recently prepared maps identifying specific locations where different natural disasters (such as storm surges, tsunami and earthquakes) might have the most severe impact,”Dewulf said.
“The meaning of the maps and the hazard impacts would be explained to the concerned communities. This initiative will thus make a major contribution to a better understanding of what the disaster risks might be and allow all concerned to prepare and protect themselves against such disasters,” he added.
The Match against Poverty is supported by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), where each year funds raised support specific development projects in different countries around the world.
UNDP said that proceeds from the matches have contributed to sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in 29 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. (RONALD O. REYES)
