US Extends ₱13.8M Aid for Flood Victims - OMNIZERS

US Extends ₱13.8M Aid for Flood Victims

The United States has significantly increased its humanitarian aid to the Philippines, boosting its contribution to $500,000 to help those affected by devastating July floods. The latest $250,000 allocation will provide emergency shelter and hygiene kits to thousands of families.

Manila, Philippines – In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, the United States government has announced an additional $250,000 (approximately P13.8 million) in aid for Filipino families devastated by the severe flooding that ravaged several provinces in July. This supplemental assistance, delivered in the form of emergency shelter materials and hygiene kits, will provide crucial support to an estimated 15,000 individuals currently residing in evacuation centers across Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed profound gratitude for this timely intervention, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US. “This generous assistance,” Romualdez stated, “will significantly help our kababayans as they rebuild their homes and regain a sense of normalcy. It demonstrates the continuing solidarity of our oldest ally in times of adversity.”

The aid package underscores the unwavering commitment of the US to stand by the Filipino people, not just during times of prosperity, but especially in moments of crisis. The US Embassy in Manila’s announcement on Friday confirmed the allocation of funds for emergency shelter and hygiene kits, offering a lifeline to those struggling to recover from the devastating floods. This supplemental aid builds upon existing support, further solidifying the strong bond between the two nations. The timely arrival of these resources offers hope and practical assistance to those affected, accelerating the path to recovery and rebuilding lives.

The United States’ commitment to aiding the Philippines in its recovery from the devastating July floods continues to grow. With the recent announcement of an additional $250,000 in humanitarian assistance, the total US contribution now stands at a significant $500,000 (approximately P27.6 million). This substantial support is not just a financial contribution; it represents a collaborative effort involving key partners and a multifaceted approach to recovery.

This latest aid package, channeled through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), focuses on providing essential shelter materials and hygiene kits. Families whose homes were damaged or destroyed will receive shelter-grade tarpaulins, repair kits, and essential household items. The distribution of hygiene kits, including soap, buckets, and cleaning supplies, is equally crucial in preventing disease outbreaks in overcrowded evacuation centers. The IOM’s commitment to monitoring sanitation in these centers highlights a proactive approach to public health.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Y. Robert Ewing expressed gratitude for the collaborative partnerships with organizations like the IOM, the World Food Programme (WFP), the DSWD, and the Office of Civil Defense. He emphasized the shared goal of helping affected families recover and rebuild their lives.

This latest contribution builds upon previous US aid, including a separate $250,000 allocation through the WFP, which facilitated the distribution of 47,700 family food packs to over 200,000 beneficiaries in Northern and Central Luzon. Furthermore, the invaluable support of US military aircraft assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines underscores the multifaceted nature of this aid effort. The combined impact of these initiatives signals a strong and sustained commitment to the Philippines’ recovery from this natural disaster.