International aid for typhoon survivors now P182 million

MANILA, Philippines — The international community has mobilized over $3.8 million or around P182 million to aid some 260,000 Filipinos affected by recent typhoons that hit the Philippines, according to the United Nations.

The UN in the Philippines said the European Union and different governments worldwide have responded to their call for support for survivors of recent typhoons.

It said the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission has announced $1.54-million (P74.5 million) aid, while the Australian government provided $700,000 (P33 million) through the World Food Program, UN Population Fund and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines.

Sweden is providing $1.4 million (P67.6 million) through Save the Children, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and Plan International, while the United States Agency for International Development and the government of Germany have coursed their assistance totaling $150,000 (P7.2 million) through existing projects with the UN Agency on Migration.

The UN also noted that many governments are donating to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, including the government of New Zealand with its contribution of $150,000 (P7.2 million).

“With support from resource partners, the UN and humanitarian community translate international solidarity into concrete actions that combine emergency relief assistance and early recovery efforts to help people get back on their feet,” said UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez.

He said relief efforts are fast-tracked through the Central Emergency Response Fund, which allows UN to kick-start relief efforts immediately in a coordinated and prioritized manner.

The UN and its humanitarian partners earlier called for support from the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid in areas affected by recent typhoons.

In the statement released by the UN, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed appreciation to the international community for their solidarity with the Filipino people.