EU releases P54.3 million in humanitarian aid

MANILA, Philippines — The European Union has released €800,000 (P54.3 million) in humanitarian aid to respond to the needs of Filipinos affected by recent typhoons and floods.

In a statement, the EU said the funding will help address the most urgent needs of people in the hardest hit areas, including communities that are also affected by conflict.

The allocation will be used to provide emergency relief in areas such as shelter, health, water and sanitation.

“This new funding comes in addition to the €6.5 million (P441.7 million) already allocated this year in humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness to the Philippines. This includes €500,000 (P33.9 million) allocated in response to a previous series of tropical cyclones that affected the country in July,” the EU said.

The EU is also closely following the humanitarian situation on the ground after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake which struck Cebu on Sep. 30.

“The EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and stand ready to provide additional support pending ongoing needs assessment,” the EU said.