The European Union (EU) has released €450,000, or approximately ₱30.69 million, in humanitarian assistance to help communities affected by the recent powerful earthquakes off the coast of Davao Oriental earlier this month.
This emergency funding will support the most affected populations, particularly those staying in temporary shelters, and aims to address urgent needs such as shelter, clean water, sanitation, and essential household items.
Of the total amount, €300,000 (₱20.46 million) will be granted to the ACCESS Consortium, led by CARE, to provide emergency shelter and access to water and sanitation facilities, among other relief efforts. The new funding complements the initial response already carried out through the EU-funded Rapid Response Mechanism, which was activated immediately after the earthquakes.
Meanwhile, the remaining €150,000 (₱10.23 million) will be channeled to the Philippine Red Cross. This allocation will help deliver tents, sleeping kits, kitchen sets, and cash assistance, as well as provide hot meals, clean water, healthcare services, and safe spaces for children. The support is part of the EU’s ongoing contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
This latest release brings the EU’s total humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness support to the Philippines in 2025 to €8.05 million (₱549 million). Earlier this year, the EU allocated €1.3 million (₱88.66 million) in response to tropical cyclones that hit the country in July and late September, and €750,000 (₱51.15 million) for recovery efforts following the previous earthquake in Cebu.
The EU’s humanitarian funding is managed through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) department, which coordinates emergency responses and disaster preparedness initiatives around the world. With headquarters in Brussels and a network of field offices, ECHO assists millions of people affected by conflicts and disasters every year, guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.
The European Union also maintains a €12 million (₱818.39 million) agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the DREF, a global mechanism that allows National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to quickly access funds for emergency response. Once deployed, these funds are replenished by donor contributions such as those from the EU, ensuring that rapid assistance remains available whenever disaster strikes.