MANILA, July 4 — The European Commission (EC) is providing €850,000 (PHP49 million) in humanitarian aid funding to provide emergency assistance to civilians who have fled the ongoing violence in the southern Philippine city of Marawi.
According to the EC, the aid will directly benefit over 50,000 people affected by the ongoing fighting between the armed forces and islamist militants which have taken over parts of the city.
“The unprecedented violence in Marawi has caused tens of thousands of families to flee, leaving everything behind. This has triggered a sharp increase in humanitarian needs as many of the displaced people are currently deprived of fundamental means to sustain their day-to-day lives,” said Pedro-Luis Rojo, Head of the East, South East Asia and Pacific Regional Office for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
“This grant from the EU (European Union) will support the delivery of immediate life-saving assistance to those most in need, and contribute to increased protection of populations affected by the conflict,” he added.
According to the latest available data, over 400 people have been killed more than 400,000 others have been displaced in the area.
Priority concerns for those recently displaced are access to food, clean water, sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene in evacuation centers.
The EU funding, which will be channelled through the Commission’s European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), will help address the most pressing needs of vulnerable populations.
The aid, delivered through an ECHO partner, will focus on the provision of crucial support including food, water supply, health care, hygiene kits, sanitation facilities and essential household items as well as ensuring improved protection for those of concern. (EC-PR/PNA)
