Canada on Thursday announced an aid package to the Philippines amounting to CAD$650,000 or about P26.9 million to augment its disaster-relief efforts after multiple natural disasters, including back-to-back storms and three powerful earthquakes, recently hit the country.
“The Philippines is especially vulnerable to natural disasters, and Canada stands with its people as they face the impacts of these recent disasters. This support will help provide some relief, and we will continue to explore additional ways to help as needed,” said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development.
Canada will allocate $350,000 to World Vision Canada, a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, to provide relief items and emergency shelter, protection services and water, and sanitation and hygiene services, through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund.
Another $250,000 will be given to the Philippine Red Cross for its ongoing humanitarian operations in Cebu, which was struck by a 6.9-magnitude quake in Sept. 30, killing 76 and injuring dozens.
Several buildings and infrastructures, such as roads, bridges and seaports, were damaged or collapsed in Bogo and neighboring towns.
The remaining $50,000 is being provided from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives through Filipino non-profit organization Angat Pinas Inc. also for relief operations in Cebu.
A week after the earthquake in Bogo, two powerful offshore earthquakes struck Davao a few hours apart on Oct. 8 and killed nine people.
“My heart goes out to the Filipino families impacted by natural disasters. In this difficult moment, Canada is helping communities across the Philippines get back on their feet, providing life-saving assistance now and supporting resilience for the weeks ahead. We will keep working with trusted partners on the ground and stand with the Filipino people every step of the way,” said Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State.
Since 2023, Canada has provided CAD$45.8 million in development assistance funding for the Philippines. — Michaela Del Callar/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
