Manila: Canada and Australia have pledged a combined PHP166.3 million in humanitarian assistance to aid the Philippines in its recovery efforts following the recent typhoons and earthquakes that have devastated parts of the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai announced that Canada is contributing a total of CAD1.2 million, approximately PHP50.4 million. This funding is aimed at helping communities severely affected by the natural disasters rebuild and recover. A portion of Canada's aid, CAD625,000, has already been allocated to support the humanitarian efforts of three non-governmental organizations-World Vision, the Philippine Red Cross, and Angat Buhay (Angat Pinas, Inc.)-in response to Typhoon Tino and the earthquakes in Visayas and Mindanao. The additional funds will bolster recovery efforts in areas impacted by Super Typhoon Uwan, which recently struck several provinces in the north.
Sarai emphasized the close ties between Canada and the Philippines, noting the significant Filipino-Canadian population. He highlighted the increasing severity of natural disasters due to climate change, stating, "This series of disasters has provided a heartbreaking reminder of how climate change can intensify the extreme weather that we face."
The Australian government has also offered its support, with Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown announcing a commitment of AUD3 million, approximately PHP115.9 million. This assistance is intended to cover essential needs such as shelter, water sanitation, health services, and food in the affected regions. Innes-Brown praised the Philippine Government's swift response to the disasters and reiterated Australia's readiness to collaborate further in ongoing relief efforts.
In addition to the contributions from Canada and Australia, the European Union has allocated EUR1.25 million (around PHP85 million) for emergency relief. This funding will provide critical support to the most affected populations, including those displaced by flooding and landslides. The EU's aid will also address the needs of communities impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu, providing shelter items, cash grants, healthcare, and sanitation activities.
The EU Delegation in Manila noted that this donation complements the EUR8.5 million (PHP 578.6 million) already allocated this year for humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness in the Philippines.
