Aquino vows transparency on foreign aid for typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III today vowed to ensure transparency on foreign assistance that the country continued to receive from different countries and international organizations for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

In a statement delivered by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda at a news briefing, Aquino said that the establishment of "FAiTH", which stands for Foreign Aid Transparency Hub, is his administration's way to show transparency on the international assistance being extended to the country.

FAiTH, which was formally launched on Monday, is an online portal of information on calamity aid, whether in cash or in kind, received by the Philippines from nations and multilateral organizations, as well as those contributed through the Philippine embassies abroad.

Not only will FAiTH contain detailed information on the help that has been given to the country, it will also track how these donations are used, if assistance is to be coursed through government agencies, Aquino said.

"Ultimately, FAiTH is more than a hub of information: it is an expression of appreciation for the kindness of those who stand in solidarity with our countrymen, and it is a continuation of our promise to the Filipino people: we are here only to serve you," he said.

So far, the total foreign aid pledge as shown in FAiTH reached $271 million.