THE EUROPEAN Union (EU) on Thursday said it has allocated and delivered more than €2.83 million (P 160.69 million) worth of humanitarian assistance to the Philippines, where central and southern areas were devastated last week by typhoon Odette, internationally known as Rai.  

“This initial assistance is on top of important contributions of the EU and its Member States to the emergency funds of multilateral humanitarian institutions that have responded to the needs created by the typhoon,” it said in a statement. “Some other Member States are redirecting funding or contributing to those institutions.”   

The European block said its partner humanitarian organizations will also strengthen healthcare services, including hygiene promotion to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases.   

Israel, through its envoys in the country, has also provided assistance, initially to the badly-hit provinces of Cebu and Bohol.    

Among the items delivered were solar energy systems, food packs, and hygiene kits.    

“The solar panels will be useful for areas which don’t have power supply yet. This technology is ready to use and low-maintenance,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in a statement.   

“Aside from the issues on power supply, we noticed that typhoon hit areas also experiences shortage of portable water. This Israeli-made portable water purifier will give them access to clean drinking water,” Deputy Chief of Mission Nir Balzam said.    

The Israeli embassy is also donating one unit of portable water purifier, four solar energy systems, food packs, and hygiene kits to Siargao.    

The Japanese Embassy also announced the delivery on Thursday of disaster relief goods, including generators, camping tents, and water containers, among others.     

Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said apart from these relief items, Japan is also looking into the provision of financial support to the Philippine government.    

RECOVERY PLAN Meanwhile, Tzu Chi Foundation has sought the help of leading technology and communication firms for planning a recovery assistance program.    

The humanitarian organization also called for the cooperation of other industries that are critical in the rehabilitation of typhoon-hit areas, including logistics, real estate, financial services, payments, and retail space. 

Among the companies that joined a planning forum on Thursday include Globe Telecom, Inc., Digital Pilipinas, GeiserMaclang, Air21, Microsoft, Coins.ph, MAPUA, and Etiqa.   

Most of these firms have already been delivering various forms of assistance to the typhoon-affected areas.  

“Tzu Chi is not rich. But what we have are dedicated volunteers who are doing everything they can to help,” said Peggy Sy, a Catholic nun and member of the foundation. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan and Jaspearl Emerald G. Tan