Manila: The European Union is providing 500,000 euros (approximately PHP33 million) in humanitarian aid to the Philippines in response to widespread flooding caused by tropical storms Crising, Dante, Emong, and the southwest monsoon, or habagat. The funding will support the most urgent needs of residents in the hardest-hit areas of Calabarzon and Central Luzon, including those in remote locations, the EU said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the allocation will be used to provide emergency relief, focusing on cash assistance to address food insecurity and other basic needs, as well as access to safe water and sanitation facilities. The aid is being disbursed through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) department of the European Commission. This is on top of the 6 million euros already allocated for humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness in the Philippines for 2025.

In July, the country experienced three tropical cyclones within 10 days, which intensified the southwest monsoon and triggered heavy rains, causing widespread flooding and landslides in many regions. For 2025, the EU has approved an initial allocation of 6 million euros for humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness. In 2024, the EU also allocated 6 million euros to support people affected by various emergencies. This included 3.4 million euros released following floods and tropical cyclones in Mindanao and other parts of the country in February, July, September, and October.

A total of 254 cities and municipalities nationwide have declared a state of calamity. Meanwhile, the number of affected families has reached 2,365,343, totaling around 8,592,630 individuals.