New funding to support earthquake-affected communities in Mindanao, Philippines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, Ontario – June 24, 2026 – Oxfam Canada welcomes $108,000 in new funding through the Humanitarian Coalition’s Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund to support communities affected by the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8.

The four-month response, funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Humanitarian Coalition and Oxfam, will provide critical humanitarian assistance to approximately 5,250 people in some of the hardest-hit and hardest-to-reach communities in Maasim municipality, Sarangani Province.

More than 1.4 million people have been affected by the earthquake across Mindanao, with many families facing damaged homes, limited access to clean water, disrupted livelihoods, and heightened protection risks. Access challenges, ongoing aftershocks and damaged infrastructure continue to hinder humanitarian efforts, particularly in remote communities.

Working alongside local partner Magungaya Mindanao Incorporated (MMI), Oxfam will provide emergency shelter materials, non-food items, hygiene and water kits, and psychosocial and protection support to affected families.

“While local communities and authorities have mobilized quickly, the scale of needs remains immense,” said Oxfam Canada’s Executive Director Lauren Ravon “Many families are still struggling to access safe shelter, clean water and essential services. This funding will help us reach some of the most vulnerable communities with lifesaving support while ensuring women, girls and other at-risk groups are protected and included in the response.”

The response will focus on three key areas:

• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: Distribution of hygiene and water kits and hygiene promotion activities to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Shelter and Non-Food Items: Provision of emergency shelter kits, including tarpaulins and essential household items such as blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and solar lamps.
• Protection: Psychosocial support for adults and children, community-based gender and protection activities, safeguarding awareness sessions, and information materials to help communities access support and services.

The project builds on Oxfam’s longstanding humanitarian presence in the Philippines and its partnership with MMI, which has supported communities across Mindanao through responses to natural disasters and conflict.

“This support demonstrates the importance of rapid and flexible humanitarian funding in the aftermath of sudden-onset disasters,” said Lauren, “Together with Oxfam Pilipina’s local partners, we are committed to ensuring that assistance reaches people who displaced and that recovery efforts address the specific needs of women, girls and marginalized groups.”

Oxfam is coordinating closely with local authorities, humanitarian clusters, and other response actors to ensure assistance complements ongoing efforts and reaches communities where needs remain greatest.

About Oxfam Canada

Oxfam Canada is a feminist organization working to end poverty and inequality around the world. Together with partners and communities, Oxfam responds to humanitarian crises and supports long-term efforts to build more just and resilient societies.

Media Contact

Diana Sarosi
Director of Policy, Campaigns and Communications
Oxfam Canada
diana.sarosi@oxfam.org
613-240-4157