The European Union said Friday it had extended to the Philippines more than €6.456 million or P380 million worth of humanitarian assistance following the onslaught of Typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses” in November.
The EU said it provided shelter, food and livelihood assistance, health care, and access to clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene worth €2.350 million, while its member states donated more to the humanitarian institutions that responded to the calamities.
Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden contributed to the emergency funds of non-government organizations like the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Caritas, and Save the Children Philippines, among others.
“The EU and its Member States are known reliable partners of the Philippines at all times, especially in emergency situations,” the EU said.
The EU also praised the Philippine government for its typhoon response and recovery efforts.
“The world has again witnessed the compassion shown by the Filipino people in helping each other, and the Filipino ‘bayanihan’ spirit which is known worldwide,” the EU said.
The EU also employed the Copernicus Space Program, its Earth observation program, before, during, and after the typhoons hit the Philippines.
Reports showed dozens of deaths and billions of pesos in agricultural damage after “Rolly” and “Ulysses” battered Luzon within weeks of each other, causing flooding in many areas.