In recent months, the Philippines has been struck by an unprecedented series of natural disasters. Led by the Philippine Association, the Order of Malta has been on the front lines providing urgent relief.

 

A Nation in Crisis

Since late September, the Philippines has faced a relentless succession of disasters:

1. Super Typhoon Nando and Typhoon Bualoi in late September,
2. a major earthquake off the coast of Cebu on 30 September,
3. Typhoon Paolo on 3 October,
4. two powerful earthquakes in Mindanao on 10 and 11 October, and
5. Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which tore through central Philippines on 4 November, leaving at 232 people confirmed dead and more still missing.

 

The devastation is immense with over 253,000 houses being damaged, 400,000 people displaced and significant agricultural and infrastructure losses.

In response to the devastation, a state of national calamity was declared on November 6, 2025.

 

The Order’s Response

The Order’s response in the Philippines is being coordinated through the newly established Malteser International Asia Pacific (MIAP), which unites the National Associations of Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand with Malteser International to create a dedicated Asia-Pacific initiative  for humanitarian aid and emergency operations working in joint collaboration.

In cooperation with the Archdiocese of Cebu, the Order of Malta Philippines is overseeing the distribution of assistance on the ground in the municipalities of Balamban and Asturias. Access for relief teams remains difficult due to the widespread impact, limited communications, and damaged infrastructure.

The initial aid effort is focusing on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions, basic hygiene support for affected families, the distribution of food relief kits, and the delivery and supply of essential medicines and medical supplies.

Longer-term rebuilding and recovery needs are also being assessed.

“As an Order, we stand united—in prayer and in action. Across the Asia–Pacific region, our associations have mobilised their networks at home and abroad to support the Philippine Association in this critical moment of disaster relief and recovery. When natural disasters strike, every second matters, and our brothers and sisters in the Order have stepped forward without hesitation to bring aid, resources, and hope to those in greatest need.”

HE Dr. Josef  D. Blotz, Grand Hospitaller

To date, US$84,000 has been raised to support the relief efforts, but additional resources are urgently needed to meet the scale of the challenge.