The OIC Secretary General, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu reiterated his humanitarian appeal to the international community for the Philippines following the conclusion of the OIC humanitarian mission which visited the Region of Mindanao from 25-30 December 2011, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Washi locally known as “Sendong”. According to OIC's website, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu highlighted the efforts made by the OIC in alleviating the suffering of the victims of “Sendong” in the cities of Caganyan De Oro and Illigan where close to 3,500 families (approximately 21,000 people) were distributed food and non food items in cooperation with the relevant Governmental authorities. The OIC Secretary General also acknowledged the important role played by local partners such as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Affairs and several other NGOs which facilitated the distribution of the much needed assistance in areas such as Balulang, Mabassa, Macasandig, Tagulu 1 and 2, Kapai, Bubong, Ramain, Lanau Del Sur, Massipa and Upper Hinaplanen, among other municipalities. Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu praised the role played by the Government of the Philippines and the international community as a whole but urged them not to relent their efforts mainly in the supply of food and non-food items such as sleeping mats, medicines and above all shelter since 20,000 houses have to be rebuild in the very near future so as to allow schoolchildren to resume their studies since all schools facilities have been closed to accommodate families who had their homes destroyed by the effects of “Sendong”. The Secretary General of the OIC concluded his appeal by calling on all OIC Member States, Development institutions, NGOs and Philanthropic partners to put their efforts together so as to assist the Philippines in the recovery period in the Region of Mindanao.
