EU, UAE extend aid to disaster victims

Metro Manila, Philippines - The European Union and the United Arab Emirates have pledged humanitarian assistance to the Philippines following the deadly Cebu earthquake, as well as recent cyclones and flooding across the country.

The EU announced Thursday it was releasing €800,000 (about ₱54 million) in humanitarian aid to support emergency relief operations in the hardest-hit areas. The funding will be used to provide shelter, health care, and water and sanitation assistance to vulnerable communities, including those affected by conflict.

This latest allocation brings the EU’s total humanitarian aid to the Philippines this year to €6.5 million (about ₱441.7 million), which includes €500,000 (about ₱34 million) in response to earlier cyclones in July.

“The EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and stands ready to provide additional support pending on-going needs assessment,” the delegation said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has dispatched emergency relief to earthquake-affected communities through the UAE Aid Agency, in coordination with local authorities.

The shipment includes food and other essential supplies to complement government-led relief efforts.

“This urgent initiative reflects the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian mission and its global commitment towards peoples and communities reeling under the impact of natural disasters,” said Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.

Al Ameri said the UAE remains committed to providing essential needs during crises and will continue implementing emergency response programs in line with its humanitarian vision.