Introduction
The Philippines is highly exposed to various natural hazards, including tropical cyclones, active volcanoes, and other climate-related risks. In addition, the ongoing conflict between the government and armed groups in the southernmost island of Mindanao impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
The precarious situation in the country often results in significant loss of life, livelihoods, and homes. The EU provides food, water and sanitation, health care, and other types of aid that help the most vulnerable survive emergencies.
What are the needs?
The Philippines has well-developed crisis management capacities. However, disasters such as typhoons, flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions often cause large-scale damage and displacement. They also put a heavy strain on local resources.
In late 2024, a series of 6 significant cyclones affected the country in less than a month, affecting millions of people and displacing hundreds of thousands.
Armed violence continues to affect vulnerable communities in Mindanao.
As of January 2025, some 125,000 people remained displaced in the southern part of the country.
How are we helping?
For 2025, the EU has approved an initial allocation of €6 million for humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness. In 2024, the EU has allocated €6 million to the Philippines to support people affected by different emergencies. This included €3.4 million released following floods and Tropical Cyclone in Mindanao and other parts of the country in February, July, September and October.
EU humanitarian aid prioritises the most vulnerable conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, who have no other access to relief assistance. We provide food and nutritional assistance, health care, clean water and sanitation, and access to safe, equitable and quality education for those in need.
In 1996, the EU set up a disaster preparedness programme to reduce the impact of natural hazards and strengthen the capacities of authorities and communities to prepare for future events.
Current activities focus on strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction and Management systems in complex and fragile settings in Mindanao, and support anticipatory action and rapid response to disasters and displacement.
Last updated: 03/03/2025
Facts & figures
EU humanitarian funding:
€6 million in 2025
€170.2 million since 1996, including:
- Over €100 million in response to natural disasters
- €43.1 million in response to conflict
- €24.9 million on disaster preparedness