Courtesy of Philippine Star

To commemorate World Humanitarian Day this week, humanitarian agencies joined hands with the private sector represented by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and civil society groups throughout the Philippines to honor the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of organizations and individuals that have made a difference through the continuing response to the conflict in Mindanao. The ceremony also honored those who sacrificed their lives in the service of humanity around the world.

In Manila, humanitarian workers gathered for a candle ceremony and moment of silence at the MRT Shaw Station concourse to bring awareness and pay tribute to the continuing humanitarian response in Marawi. The ‘Share Humanity with MRT3’ event was held in partnership with UN agencies and partners, supported by the Department of Transportation Metro Rail Transit 3, Metro Rail Transit Development Corp. and Media Puzzle Inc.

In Cotabato City, members of the Mindanao Humanitarian Team (MHT), composed of UN agencies based in Mindanao and international and national NGOs, held a community Stand Together event in Sitio Bahar, South Upi, Maguindanao, a hard-to-reach isolated area.

In Marawi City, MHT members commemorated the day by sharing it with those who were displaced by the Marawi conflict and are now living in the Sarimanok transitional shelters in Marawi City.

“We stand together with organizations around the world to honor those who have died and have been hurt while working to help people,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

To take action to protect all civilians caught in conflict, a first-ever ‘living petition’ has been launched on www.worldhumanitarianday.org.