The European Union (EU) has released 450,000 euros (around PHP30.69 million) in humanitarian aid to help communities affected by the twin earthquakes that hit Davao Oriental on October 10.
In a statement Monday, the EU said the aid aims to provide emergency relief, shelter, clean water, sanitation, and other basic needs to affected families.
Of the total amount, 300,000 euros (PHP20.46 million) will go to the ACCESS consortium led by CARE, focusing on shelter, water, and sanitation. The EU noted that this funding complements the consortium’s ongoing EU-supported rapid response operations.
Meanwhile, 150,000 euros (PHP10.23 million) will be given to the Philippine Red Cross for the distribution of tents, sleeping kits, kitchen sets, and other household supplies. It will also fund cash aid, hot meals, clean water, and health services, along with the setup of safe spaces for children.
The EU said this funding is part of its Disaster Response Emergency Fund through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which provides quick financial support for disaster-hit countries.
This brings the EU’s total humanitarian and disaster preparedness aid to the Philippines this year to 8.05 million euros (PHP549 million), including previous assistance for typhoon and earthquake victims.
The EU said its humanitarian support is delivered through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which helps disaster-affected populations worldwide “based on humanitarian needs, without discrimination.”