Canada offers P2.1-M aid for Philippine flood victims

MANILA, Philippines — Canada on Monday announced that it was offering more than P2.1 million to support Philippine relief efforts as monsoon rains battered Manila and nearby provinces last week.

In a statement, the Canadian embassy in Manila said that the aid from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) would support the efforts of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in affected areas.

“The IFRC aims to continue the provision of much-needed food and other relief items, support disease prevention and health education, provide psychosocial support to affected families, and ensure the immediate water needs of people remaining in evacuation centers are met,” the statement said.

Christopher Thornley, Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines, also offered his sympathies to the Filipino people.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends who have lost loved ones or are otherwise affected by the latest devastating rains. Canada stands ready to assist the Philippines in times of need,” Thornley said.