Croatia pledges relief amid Philippine earthquakes
In a gesture of solidarity, Croatia has announced a donation of 100,000 euros (about 6.76 million Philippine pesos) to support the Philippines’ response to a series of powerful earthquakes that have struck the country in recent weeks. The pledge came during the visit of Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman to Manila, marking the first time a Croatian foreign minister has visited the Philippines for bilateral talks with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Diplomatic framing and mutual interests
Radman conveyed condolences for the loss of lives caused by the quakes and highlighted the shared values that bind Croatia and the Philippines. He pointed to the relationship as a key example of how both nations pursue peace, stability, and prosperity through democratic governance and multilateral diplomacy. The announcement was made at a joint press conference with DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, during a period of ongoing disaster relief coordination and international assistance.
What the donation means for disaster relief
The 100,000-euro contribution adds to the humanitarian support already extended by the United States and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), among others. While each country’s aid serves immediate relief efforts, Croatia’s grant signals a broader commitment to regional stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Context: earthquakes affecting Cebu, Davao, and beyond
Over the past weeks, the Philippines has experienced a sequence of strong earthquakes affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported more than 490,000 people impacted and multiple fatalities. Provinces such as Cebu, Davao, and Davao Oriental have borne the brunt of the quakes, including a magnitude 7.4 event and a magnitude 6.9 aftershock.
Looking ahead: stronger ties and concrete cooperation
Radman described the discussions with Lazaro as open and fruitful, anticipating concrete results in the two countries’ enhanced cooperation. The exchange underscores a growing sentiment that international partnerships — whether for disaster relief, governance, or regional stability — can help smaller nations respond more effectively to crises while advancing shared diplomatic goals.
As the Philippines continues its recovery and reconstruction efforts, international donors, including Croatia, play a vital role in supplementing national and local relief programs. The Croatian pledge is a reminder that despite geographic distance, global solidarity remains a cornerstone of contemporary diplomacy and humanitarian response.
