26 January 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today convened the Inter-Agency Task Force for Philippine Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq to lay the groundwork for another 6-months for the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent that is currently in Iraq.  Secretary Albert is the Chairperson of
the Task Force under Executive Order 195. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Secretary said that the main issue was that of resources.  “We explored the possibility of utilizing the unspent portion of the original budget that was given to us,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary explained that last year, the Task Force had planned a deployment of 500 personnel and had prepared a budget based on those plans but due to budgetary constraints only 96 were deployed.  Some savings were generated as the Department of Health only deployed 15 personnel and the Department of Social Welfare and Development did not deploy anyone.

“What is important is that we are making a difference in the lives of the people of Iraq.  Our contingent members are doing us proud as they help address the humanitarian needs of Iraq and as they play an important role in building a strong, stable and democratic Iraq,” Secretary Albert said.  “The fundamental consideration remains.  A stable Iraq is important for the security and stability of the Middle East, which in turn is essential for the safety of our 1.5 million Filipinos there,” she said.

The Secretary said that she hopes that eventually the UN will be given a more central role in Iraq. “We welcome the recent dialogue being conducted by the UN with the leaders of Iraq and the members of the Coalition.  I hope that these discussions will lead to a greater role for the UN in Iraq,” the Secretary said. “We will be prepared to support such a role not only in the political arena, but also on the ground,” she added. END.