Canada gives P20-M aid to conflict-hit areas in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Canada is providing an additional 500,000 Canadian dollars (around P20 million) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as humanitarian assistance to those affected by the armed conflict in Mindanao.

“Canada has committed to scaling up interventions that will have the greatest impact, focusing in the areas of strengthening health systems, improving nutrition, and reducing the burden of leading diseases,” Ambassador Neil Reeder said yesterday. 

He said the contribution is in support of efforts to improve the health and well-being of those in greatest need in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. 

Canada is supporting ICRC operations in Mindanao by providing seeds, tools and fishing equipment to improve the livelihood of 59,500 conflict-affected people; technical assistance to rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities at the community level, benefiting up to 6,000 people; support to improve detention facilities for up to 6,000 detainees; medical and surgical supplies for hospitals; and food and other supplies for up to 84,000 people. 

“This additional funding demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to build on our strong ties with the Philippines,” Reeder said.