Australia offers $3M humanitarian assistance to PH

The Australian government is offering to extend $3 million (about P115.9 million) in humanitarian assistance to the Philippines to support the government’s response and relief efforts following the onslaught of Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

In a statement, the Australian Embassy in Manila said, “As a reliable friend and Strategic Partner, Australia is well-positioned to provide in-country assistance to support the Philippine government-led response.”

“The Philippines has endured a series of natural disasters over the last three months, including typhoons Tino and Uwan and the recent earthquakes, which have affected millions of Filipinos across the country,” it said.

The reported death toll due to Uwan stood at 27, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The recent super typhoon has also impact 4.5 million people across 11,100 barangays nationwide.

Typhoon Tino, which hit most of the southern Philippines, left a reported death toll of 232. 

Australia’s humanitarian partners work closely at the local-level with government and civil society to ensure all efforts are coordinated and assistance reaches those most in need, according to the Australian Embassy said.

It said that Australia's assistance can provide in-country shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, health services and food assistance.

“Australia always stands ready to support the Philippines. We commend the Philippine government on their quick and extensive response to multiple disasters impacting millions of Filipinos. Australia is willing to work with the Philippine government where it is needed as they continue their response efforts across the country,” said Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown. —VAL, GMA Integrated News