EU gives donation of P36 million to flood victims in Mindanao

A resident stands next to a damaged house and vehicle after a landslide due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Nalgae in Parang, Maguindanao. (File photo dated October 28, 2022 from AFP/PHILIPPINE MARINES BATTALION LANDING TEAM 5)

MANILA, Philippines — European Union (EU) has donated €500,000 to the rehabilitation campaigns in Mindanao that help victims of weather-related catastrophes.

The money is equivalent to over P30 million.

“A series of unexpected heavy rainfall caused thousands of families in Mindanao to lose their homes, livelihoods, and belongings,” EU Ambassador Luc Véron said in a statement.

“The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering crucial assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they can cover their basic needs in this time of crisis,” he added.

According to the EU, the fund will provide emergency aid such as clean water, emergency food, and post-disaster needs such as education and livelihood to calamity victims.

Specifically, the funds came from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department of the European Commission.

Data from government indicated about 1,700 houses were damaged by floods, while 200,000 people were displaced.

Around 25,000 hectares of agricultural farmlands and major infrastructures were destroyed.