In recent weeks, the Philippines has been hit by multiple natural disasters, including a tropical cyclone and earthquakes, causing loss of life and significant damage to homes and infrastructure. These events have severely impacted local communities and disrupted economic activities, prompting urgent humanitarian needs.
In response, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development), announced $650,000 in funding to support emergency relief efforts in the Philippines. The Canadian government has allocated $350,000 to World Vision Canada, a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund. This funding will provide essential relief items, emergency shelter, protection services, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support to affected communities.
An additional $250,000 has been directed to support the Philippine Red Cross’s ongoing relief operations in Cebu through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, administered by the Canadian Red Cross. The remaining $50,000 comes from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to aid relief operations in Cebu, enabling the distribution of dignity and hygiene kits and emergency shelter through Angat Pinas Inc., a local non-profit organization.
Canada has also offered to deploy relief supplies from its prepositioned emergency stockpiles in the region if requested, while continuing to monitor the evolving situation closely and coordinate with experienced humanitarian partners to respond effectively to emerging needs.
Officials emphasized Canada’s commitment to support the Philippines through this crisis. Secretary Sarai highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and reiterated Canada’s support for providing immediate relief and exploring additional assistance as required. Minister Rechie Valdez underscored Canada’s role in helping communities recover, ensuring life-saving aid is delivered, and promoting resilience for the weeks ahead.
Canada’s support builds on a broader history of development assistance, with $45.8 million provided to the Philippines in the 2023–2024 fiscal year to aid development and humanitarian programs.
