The central city is still struggling to deal with the impact of super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck in November, killing more than 6,200 people and leaving tens of thousands of survivors still homeless.
Beckham was welcomed by hundreds who have been living in United Nations-provided tents outside a stadium.
Beckham made Valentines Day cards with children
at the tented space where children play games and can access
psychosocial support away from their devastated communities
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham meets
child survivors of Typhoon Haiyan at a UNICEF-supported child friendly
space at one of Tacloban's major evacuation points
The father of four mets babies and mothers who
survived Typhoon Haiyan and are being helped by UNICEF and partners to
have a safe haven to play with their babies as well as learn about the
best nutrition for their babies
It was a morning of high-fiving for David
Beckham during his visit to the storm-devastated Philippine city of
Tacloban today as part of UNICEF's relief efforts
Beckham posed for pictures with children inside a large white tent used as a classroom as they showed him their art works
The central city is still struggling to deal
with the impact of super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck in November,
killing more than 6,200 people and leaving tens of thousands of
survivors still homeless
Beckham was welcomed this morning by hundreds who have been living in United Nations-provided tents outside a stadium
'I was humbled to visit Tacloban and see how people are still so full of spirit despite the devastation they have suffered.
'Close to six million children are affected and many have lost loved ones,' said Beckham.
'As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, seeing how children are being given a sense of normality amidst the rubble of their communities has been amazing.
'I want to show people around the world how their generous donations have had an enormous impact on children and their families and how thankful people here are for their kindness.'
Zafrin Chowdhury, spokeswoman for the UNICEF
office in Manila, said Beckham was touched by the typhoon's impact and
wanted to meet displaced children and their families
22
The central city is still struggling to deal with the impact of super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck in November
'He felt very touched by what happened and that he wanted to come back, said Mr Chowdhury
Officials and UNICEF staff did not say what he and the family members talked about during his 30-minute stay
It's Beckham's second trip to the Philippines as
a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. He toured a shelter for former street
children in Manila during his first visit in 2011 and also played an
exhibition game with the Philippine national football team
Zafrin Chowdhury, spokeswoman for the UNICEF office in Manila, said Beckham was touched by the typhoon's impact and wanted to meet displaced children and their families.
He removed his shoes on entering a tent where a family has been living, stroking a sleeping infant's hands as he spoke with family members.
Officials and UNICEF staff did not say what he and the family members talked about during his 30-minute stay.
It's Beckham's second trip to the Philippines as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. He toured a shelter for former street children in Manila during his first visit in 2011 and also played an exhibition game with the Philippine national football team.
'He felt very touched by what happened and that he wanted to come back, not do anything else - no meeting, no media - just to focus on children and meet them, encourage them and see for himself the situation,' Chowdhury said.
Beckham also was scheduled to visit a warehouse of the World Food Program in nearby Palo town, which was also heavily devastated.
Beckham also was scheduled to visit a warehouse of the World Food Program in nearby Palo town, which was also heavily devastated
The typhoon displaced more than 4 million in more than 40 provinces in the central Philippines. At least 1,700 are still missing
As the retired footballer walked around the town he was followed by hundreds of fans, some of which grabbed his hands
Wearing an UNICEF t-shirt the star was happy to stop and pose for photos on his tour
He removed his shoes on entering a tent where a
family has been living, stroking a sleeping infant's hands as he spoke
with family members
The retired football icon and his wife popstar turned designer Victoria, had donated some of their best designer clothes and shoes to raise funds for the typhoon victims.
The typhoon displaced more than 4 million in more than 40 provinces in the central Philippines. At least 1,700 are still missing.
Beckham's visit followed separate trips to Tacloban in December by teen star Justin Bieber, U.S. State Secretary John Kerry, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Australian Foreign Minister Julia Bishop.
The retired football icon and his wife,
Victoria, had donated some of their best designer clothes and shoes to
raise funds for the typhoon victims
Beckham smiles for a selfie as he arrives for the tour
Beckham waves shortly after arriving at the airport in Tacloban City, Leyte province earlier today
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