United Nations Undersecretary General (UN-USG) for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes praised the Philippine government for the “speed and effectiveness” of its response in the aftermath of the recent pair of deadly weather disturbances but also reminded local officials of the long road ahead.

“We’ve been impressed by the speed and effectiveness of this government’s response, especially with the extensive search and rescue operations and the quick release of emergency relief supplies,” Holmes told media members during a press conference in Makati City on Tuesday morning.

Holmes, who also serves as the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), drew a line of comparison from another Asian nation, Myanmar, which was ill-prepared when Cyclone Nargis struck last year and left 146,000 people dead in its wake.

“The degree of organization and response (of the Philippines) is good compared to other countries, although I would not call it perfect. Nothing is perfect especially during disaster situations,” said Holmes, who brought with himself to the country the promise of foreign aid through the UN’s “flash appeal” for flood victims that had been pegged at $74 million.

As of Tuesday, some $19 million of the figure had been pledged by international donors, with another $25 million coming outside the flash appeal. Holmes said he expects the amount to be turned over to Philippines in two to three week’s time. (Ellson A. Quismoro)