The New Zealand government has provided the Philippine National Red Cross NZD500,000 (approximately PHP17 million) to help support its response to victims of the series of calamities that ravaged the country recently.
The New Zealand Embassy in Manila said Friday “New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Philippines, reaffirming its commitment and offering support during these challenging times,” adding that “our enduring partnership reflects our shared resilience, compassion, and mutual aid values.”
The embassy said the new funding is part of its continuing collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The United Nations Philippines earlier said at least USD20.1 million or PHP1.17 billion is needed to support urgent and lifesaving needs of communities severely affected by the series of typhoons that struck the country.
In recent months, the Philippines endured a series of strong tropical cyclones, which battered local communities, especially in Bicol and Central Luzon.