ADB signs $20M grant for Yolanda survivors

MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed on Wednesday a $20-million grant to help 70 municipalities affected by typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

"We have laid the groundwork to immediately put this assistance to use in cash-for-work programs and restoring crucial infrastructure, such as water systems, solid waste collection and fuel and power supply," said Claudia Buentjen, Principal Country Specialist in ADB's Philippines Country Office.

The grant, on top of an earlier $3-million grant from the Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund, came from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and will also support local farmers and fishermen by providing seeds, fertilizers, fishing nets and boats.

ADB has worked with local government units in identifying communities which will receive small grants of $1 million to $8 million.

The fund will also be used to repair schools, teach masonry and set up a monitoring system for future disasters.

The multilateral financial institution opened the Extended Mission for Yolanda in Tacloban last month and has earlier approved a $500-million emergency loan to the Philippine government.

Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines November last year, destroying towns and killing thousands.— Philippine STAR News Service