EU sends P50.8 million in aid for quake-hit Cebu
MANILA, Philippines — The European Union has released €750,000—or roughly P50.8 million—in humanitarian aid to help communities affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu last week.
In a statement late Friday, October 10, the EU said the funding will go toward emergency relief for displaced families, including shelter, clean water and sanitation.
“The European Union expresses its solidarity with the people affected by the earthquake,” the delegation said, adding that it is monitoring the situation “for possible further assistance.”
Of the total allocation, €250,000 (P16.9 million) will support the Philippine Red Cross in delivering cash assistance, tents, household items, and healthcare services to those who lost their homes. The funding forms part of the EU’s contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
This latest release adds to the €7.3 million (P495 million) in humanitarian aid the EU has already allocated to the Philippines this year, including €1.3 million (P88 million) in assistance after typhoons that hit the country in July and September.
The aid will be channeled through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, or ECHO, the EU’s disaster response arm based in Brussels.
“With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year,” the statement said.
The EU said it remains ready to provide additional assistance as the impact of the quake continues to be assessed.
Devastating quakes. The Cebu earthquake left 74 people dead and displaced thousands after it struck off the province’s northern coast on September 30.
Another severe tremor at magnitude 7.4 struck of the coast of Davao on Friday. Authorities are still assessing the damage as the area is still affected by subsequent quakes and tsunami warnings.
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