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THE
European Commission has increased its bilateral aid to
the Philippines with focus on trade-related assistance
by close to 50 percent to €131 million (about P8.12
billion), compared to previous grants, to enable local
agricultural industries meet the stricter demands of the
rich European market.
The
Delegation of the European Commission in the Philippines
announced this Tuesday. The previous amount for the
period 2002-2006 was €63 million (about P3.9 billion).
The EU
said that for 2007, the funds from the multiannual
program would allocate €6.5 million (P400 million) for
the Trade-Related Technical Assistance program started
in 2006 for various agriculture industries to enable
them to follow technical and purity demands in the
European market composed of 27 differentiated nations.
Another
P400 million has been allocated for government programs
that seek to strengthen civil society participation
under the Strategic Projects Facility. The remaining P62
million from the multiannual bilateral aid is for the
Mindanao Trust Fund that seeks to provide economic and
social benefits to displaced families in the
conflict-stricken provinces.
EU
development assistance to the Philippines is provided
through the Philippine government systems that include
multiannual programs and through thematic and regional
programs assisting nongovernment organizations, business
intermediaries and academe.
Amid an
intensified military offensive in Basilan, the EU has
earmarked a separate grant of €3 million (P186 million)
for the rehabilitation of damaged communities in the
same areas.
Victims
of typhoon Reming will also get humanitarian support
grants in the amount of P44 million and emergency
assistance of P124 million as well as an added P80.6
million to enhance disaster preparedness in the Bicol
region. |
