EU grant to address Mindanao health problems

Mindano, in the Philippines, is to receive P550 million (£8 million) in environmental grants from the European Union (EU).

The grant is being sent to promote sustainable consumption and production, as well as implementing key laws in the country. It will have particular focus on improving air quality, supporting projects on renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as eco-labelling of products.

The EU ambassador to the Philippines, Guy Ledoux, commented in a statement: “Through technical assistance, the EU will support the Philippine government's objective to triple renewable capacity by 2030.”

There is a strong impetus to support maternal problems in the country and child health. The project aims to allow access of poor women in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to affordable and financially sustainable, quality essential health services. 

The project will get underway by promoting sustainable consumption and production in the fields of environment, energy, trade and industry.

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, making it particularly vulnerable to climate change.