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. They also put a heavy strain on local resources.
In December 2021, typhoon Rai (Odette) made landfall 9 times in the Philippines. It caused widespread destruction and affected over 12 million vulnerable people who were already in a vulnerable position – making it one of the worst global disasters in 2021.
The armed conflict in Mindanao remains a fragile and complex situation. Since 2012, fighting has caused close to 1 million people to flee their homes, creating large humanitarian needs.
The violence intensified in 2021, resulting in the additional displacement of more than 322,000 people.
How are we helping?
In 2023, the EU provided €4.1 million to the Philippines in support of the most vulnerable.
Some €1.5 million go to humanitarian assistance for those affected by the protracted conflict in the Philippines. This funding also helps strengthen access to education for children in conflict-prone areas.
EU humanitarian aid prioritises the most vulnerable conflict-affected communities in Mindanao. We provide food and nutritional assistance, health care, clean water and sanitation, and access to safe, equitable and quality education to those in need.
The powerful typhoon Doksuri (locally known as “Egay”) struck the Philippines in July 2023. It affected some 2.4 million people and caused extensive damage. The EU provided €600,000 to support the affected families.
In 1996, the EU set up a disaster preparedness programme to reduce the impact of natural hazards and strengthen the capacities of communities to prepare for future events. Last year alone, the EU contributed €2 million to disaster risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives in the country.
Current activities focus on enhancing disaster resilience of local government units and impoverished families living in high-risk urban areas in the capital, Manila. We fund activities covering local capacity building, early warning systems, education, public awareness campaigns and resilience livelihood planning.
Last updated: 19/09/2023