Metro Manila, Philippines – A fresh surge of international humanitarian aid is pouring into the Philippines as foreign governments respond to the devastation left by successive typhoons and recent major earthquakes that affected millions across the country.
Canada
In a media roundtable in Makati City on Friday, visiting Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai announced more than $1.2 million in humanitarian aid, describing it as one of Canada’s largest contributions to the Philippines since launching its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Sarai, who is in Manila for an official visit, expressed condolences for families who lost loved ones and homes in the disasters that struck Cebu, Davao and other regions. He praised the Philippines’ large-scale evacuation efforts, which moved more than a million people ahead of Typhoon Aghon’s landfall.
“It’s often said the most difficult times bring out the best of us,” Sarai said. “Any humanitarian responses underway are a powerful testament to the importance of coming together as a global community. Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines as friends and as family.”
Sarai also emphasized the growing severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change and announced a total $76.4 million in new development initiatives in the Philippines, including programs on disaster resilience, food and water security, clean energy, and child nutrition.
United States
The United States announced $1.5 million in emergency assistance for communities affected by Super Typhoon Fung-wong (Uwan), bringing total U.S. support for Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-wong to $2.5 million.
At Clark Air Base, U.S. Marines and Philippine airmen worked jointly this week to load food packs, shelter supplies and other relief items for transport to heavily hit areas. The aid includes logistics support, water and sanitation resources, and assistance for evacuation centers.
“Our continued rapid response stands as a testament to the depth of the enduring ties between the United States and the Philippines, especially in times of crisis,” the U.S. Embassy said.
Korea
The Republic of Korea also announced $1 million in humanitarian assistance through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
“We hope this support will help speed up relief operations and contribute to bringing affected communities back to normal as soon as possible,” the Korean Embassy said in a statement, expressing sympathy for victims of Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
New Zealand
New Zealand said it is contributing $1.75 million to humanitarian operations in both the Philippines and Vietnam, noting that the funds will support NGOs and the IFRC in delivering relief. The package will also assist Philippine communities hit by a recent major earthquake.
Australia
Australia announced it is ready to provide AUD 3 million (PHP 115.9 million) in humanitarian assistance. Canberra said it remains a “reliable friend and strategic partner” to the Philippines, noting that its partners are prepared to help with shelter, health services, food assistance and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support.
“Australia always stands ready to support the Philippines,” Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown said, commending the Philippine government’s extensive response to multiple disasters.
European Union
The European Union has released €1.25 million (PHP 85 million) in humanitarian funding, largely to assist communities affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan, including those in Cebu that had also been hit by a recent earthquake.
Of the total, €250,000 will support the Philippine Red Cross in providing shelter items, cash assistance, healthcare and sanitation services. The EU noted that this comes on top of €8.5 million in aid and disaster preparedness funding already allocated to the Philippines this year.
The influx of humanitarian support comes as the Philippines faces compounded impacts from back-to-back typhoons, widespread flooding, landslides and earthquakes. Millions of Filipinos have been displaced, and authorities say recovery efforts will take months.
