The EU and the Philippines: Turning solidarity into action

By this time of year, many of us in the Philippines are accustomed to seeing alerts on our phones warning of heavy rains and the risks of flooding and landslides. Such warnings have become part of life during the typhoon season. But however familiar they may be, the risks they signal remain very real.

In response to severe flooding across Luzon, the EU is providing 150,000 euros (approximately P10.87 million) to help more than 32,000 people in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Through the Philippine Red Cross, this funding will provide essential household items, meals, safe drinking water and health services, including mental health support and disease prevention. It forms part of the EU’s contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.

These floods are a reminder of the recurring risks facing the Philippines, from tropical cyclones and landslides to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Responding to immediate needs and preparing for future emergencies are both essential to protecting lives and livelihoods.

For three decades, the European Union has stood with vulnerable communities in the Philippines through humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. Since 1996, EU humanitarian assistance to the country has amounted to around 176 million euros (approximately P12.8 billion at today’s exchange rate), providing food, water and sanitation, health care and other essential support to people affected by disasters and conflict. The new flood response funding comes on top of 2.097 million euros, or approximately P152 million, allocated at the start of this year. Delivered through humanitarian partners, this assistance prioritizes the most vulnerable, including communities affected by conflict in Mindanao with limited access to assistance. This support reflects the EU’s broader approach of combining life-saving humanitarian assistance with efforts that help communities become more resilient to future shocks.

On June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, affecting communities across parts of Mindanao. EU humanitarian partners provided shelter, food and cash assistance, alongside water, sanitation and hygiene services. The response also included protection and psychosocial support. Through the ACCESS consortium, 4,804 households, or more than 22,700 people, were reached across seven municipalities in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato and Agusan del Sur. I have personally witnessed the positive, even though necessarily partial, effects of this type of assistance and cooperation for Filipino families and people affected by natural disasters during my visits to several affected areas in the Philippines.

The Philippines has well-developed crisis management capacities, but repeated disasters can strain local resources. Alongside emergency assistance, the EU supports efforts to help authorities and communities prepare. In parts of Mindanao, this includes helping communities reduce risks and act on early warnings, as well as supporting a swift response when disasters strike or people are forced to leave their homes. In this way, EU support links immediate emergency response with longer-term work to reduce vulnerability, strengthen local capacities and support recovery over time.

Building resilience also means addressing underlying environmental and structural factors that can increase the impact of disasters on communities. During the rainy season, waste blocking drains and waterways can worsen flooding. Our broader cooperation with the Philippines can support efforts to address these concerns.

Through the Green Economy Partnership between the EU and the Philippines, we are working with communities, 60 local governments and businesses to turn environmental challenges into opportunities.

In Bacolod, the Circular Biohubs Project is exploring ways to process organic waste locally, using black soldier fly larvae to turn food scraps into biomass that could be used in animal feed and earthworms to produce soil enhancers. The project draws on the practical knowledge of waste collectors, barangay workers and market vendors. It also aims to provide training in compost production and garden maintenance, alongside opportunities to develop small enterprises.

Earlier this year, Iligan City, the Island Garden City of Samal and Zamboanga City were also awarded support under the Green Economy Partnership to prepare circular economy projects involving the public and private sectors. The support covers technical assistance, feasibility studies and training in managing these partnerships. The planned projects aim to address local infrastructure and environmental needs, with measures to include informal waste workers. Together, these efforts show how EU humanitarian engagement and broader technical cooperation can complement one another in supporting preparedness, adaptation and sustainable resilience in the Philippines.

In July, the European Union and the Philippines elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Partnership. Both sides agreed to help communities adapt to climate change, improve waste management and prepare for disasters. This includes sharing experience in humanitarian assistance and emergency protection, improving early warning systems and using forecasts and risk information to act before disasters strike.

The joint statement also highlights Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Program. Its satellite data can help authorities identify hazards, anticipate damage to homes and infrastructure and prepare communities. After disasters, it can help responders assess damage, identify urgent needs and guide assistance and recovery.

These priorities also shaped our engagement at the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience, hosted by the Philippines on Sept. 15-16 under its ASEAN Chairship. The EU also supports ASEAN’s disaster management center, the AHA Center, in monitoring disasters, strengthening preparedness and coordinating responses. This cooperation includes training and exchanges of expertise to help strengthen the region’s ability to respond to emergencies.

The European Union will continue to stand with the Philippines when disaster strikes. Our cooperation will build on the experience of Philippine institutions and communities, supporting their ongoing efforts to prepare for emergencies. The next warning on our phones will remind us why this cooperation matters and why preparing together remains a shared priority.

*      *      *

Massimo Santoro is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.