Obama cites 'bayanihan' of US, Philippines in wake of 'Yolanda'

MANILA, Philippines — President Barack Obama vowed on Monday that the United States will remain supportive of the Philippines' rehabilitation efforts following the devastation of  Super Typhoon "Yolanda" last year.

During a televised press conference with President Benigno Aquino III, Obama said the US will continue to stand with its treaty ally as it tries to rebuild affected areas and recover from the effects of the deadly typhoon.

"Our commitment to the Philippines will not waver," Obama told Aquino and reporters at the Malacañang Palace earlier this afternoon.

Yolanda devastated several parts of Eastern Visayas last November with its heavy rains, record winds and tsunami-like storm surges that flattened entire communities.

The US was among the several nations that immediately extended help to the Philippines. Obama pointed out that Filipino and American soldiers and civilians worked hand in hand to rescue typhoon survivors and deliver relief aid to the disaster victims.

"That's what friends do for each other," Obama said of the disaster response efforts of the Philippines and the US.

He said the spirit of "bayanihan" was seen in situations like these.

"Our partnership reflects an important Filipino concept — bayanihan — the idea that we have to work together to accomplish things that we couldn't achieve on our own," Obama said.

Obama set foot on Philippine soil the same day Manila and Washington signed the new 10-year Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement which aims to increase the US military presence in the country.

The new defense pact would also improve the disaster response capabilities of the militaries of both nations, according to officials.

Aquino said Yolanda showed the entire world how vulnerable developing nations like the Philippines are to natural disasters.

"As such, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response is an essential component of our cooperation," the Philippine leader said in his statement.

The President added that he looks forward to the continued cooperation of the US with the Philippines.