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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Canada, Taiwan, UAE provide aid for Cebu quake victims

Canada, Taiwan, UAE provide aid for Cebu quake victims

Published Oct 16, 2025 01:28 pm
Earthquake victims are in need of water and food in Cebu. (Photo from European Union)
Earthquake victims are in need of water and food in Cebu. (Photo from European Union)
The governments of Canada, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates have provided cash assistance and aid packages to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rattled Cebu province two weeks ago.
In a statement, Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai said Canada will provide $650,000 in funding “for humanitarian assistance to support emergency relief efforts in the Philippines.”
This came as it noted the multiple natural disasters—including a tropical cyclone and earthquakes—that resulted in the loss of lives, damages to properties and infrastructure, and impact to local communities and economies in the country.
“The Philippines is especially vulnerable to natural disasters, and Canada stands with its people as they face the impacts of these recent disasters. This support will help provide some relief, and we will continue to explore additional ways to help as needed,” the secretary said.
According to the statement, $350,000 will be allocated to World Vision Canada through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund.
The allocation will cover relief items and emergency shelter, protection services and water, and sanitation and hygiene services.
Another $250,000 will be coursed through the Philippine Red Cross’s ongoing relief operations in Cebu through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, which is administered by the Canadian Red Cross.
The remaining $50,000 from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives will be sent through Angat Pinas Inc., a non-profit organization founded by former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, for the distribution of “dignity and hygiene kits and emergency shelter” in Cebu.
“Canada has also offered to deploy relief supplies from its emergency stockpiles prepositioned in the region should they be requested,” the statement said.
“Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with experienced partners to assess and respond to evolving needs,” it added.
Taiwan’s cash aid
Taiwan, on the other hand, also announced a $200,000 donation to help the victims of the Cebu quake.
(Photo from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines)
(Photo from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines)
The humanitarian aid was turned over to the Cebu provincial government from the Taiwan government and Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), which was represented by Deputy Resident Representative Cherbett Karen Maralit.
“As one of the closest neighbors of the Philippines, Taiwan stands ready to extend any support and assistance Cebu government may need for the recovery and relief efforts,” TECO said in a separate statement.
“In the face of challenges brought by earthquakes, typhoons, and extreme weather, Taiwan wishes to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) to better respond to natural disasters,” it added.
UAE relief aid
The UAE government, through its UAE Aid Agency and overseen by the UAE Embassy in Manila, has also dispatched “urgent relief aid” to around 40,000 families impacted by the earthquake in Cebu province.
(Photo courtesy of UAE Embassy in Manila)
(Photo courtesy of UAE Embassy in Manila)
“The UAE’s response reflects the country’s humanitarian efforts and its global commitment towards communities impacted by natural disasters and crisis. It also underscores the UAE’s dedication to alleviating humanitarian suffering, accelerating early recovery, and reinforcing stability,” the statement said.
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi also affirmed the unwavering support for the Philippines as he highlighted the close relations between the two countries that have spanned for more than 50 years.
“His Excellency emphasized that the provision of aid follows the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership and aligns with the approach of the UAE government and people to stand in solidarity with all the countries worldwide, particularly during crises,” the statement added.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday, Oct. 16, that the death toll from the Sept. 30 Cebu earthquake is now at 76.
The number of injuries from the tremor is currently at 559, while affected individuals is at 748,025, the council added.
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