Obama on Yolanda reconstruction: We stand with you

MANILA, Philippines - The US is standing by the Philippines in its efforts to recover and rebuild from the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

US President Barack Obama gave this assurance during a joint press conference with President Aquino after their expanded bilateral meeting in Malacañang yesterday, noting that the partnership between the two countries reflects the important Filipino concept of bayanihan or standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

“The idea that we have to work together to accomplish things that we couldn’t achieve on our own – that’s what we saw last year when Typhoon Yolanda devastated so many communities,” he said.

“Our Armed Forces and civilians from both our countries worked as one to rescue victims and to deliver life-saving aid – that’s what friends do for each other. And Mr. President, I want to say to you and the people of the Philippines, the United States will continue to stand with you as you recover and rebuild. Our commitment to the Philippines will not waver,” he added.

He said the US is committed to work together with the Philippines to address the devastating effects of climate change and to make its communities less vulnerable to extreme storms like Yolanda.

Aquino, for his part, thanked the US for the immediate outpouring of assistance in the aftermath of Yolanda and its clear expression of solidarity with the typhoon’s survivors.

“Mr. President, in your State of the Union Address early this year, you spoke of how American volunteers and troops were greeted with gratitude in the affected areas. Today, I reiterate formally: the Filipino people will never forget such kindness and compassion. On behalf of my countrymen, I thank the United States of America once more for being a true friend to our people,” he said.

Aquino said Yolanda showed the entire world how vulnerable the Philippines, as well as other developing countries, was to natural disasters. As such, humanitarian assistance and disaster response was an essential component of cooperation.

He said he was counting on the US and the international community to help the Philippines build back better the communities affected by Yolanda.

Aquino also cited their discussion on how partnership could be enhanced through building climate-resilient communities.

“These kinds of strong communities are important, not only in withstanding disasters, but also in fostering inclusive growth across the entire country. President Obama and I recognize the importance of strong economic engagement for the continued growth of both the Philippines and the United States,” Aquino said.

USAID

Aquino also expressed appreciation for US support to the Philippines’ programs under the Partnership for Growth framework, which enhanced the policy environment for economic growth through $145 million in total planned contribution from the US Agency for International Development.

The support is coursed through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which supports the implementation of projects on road infrastructure, poverty reduction and good governance with a $434 million grant from 2011 to 2016, he said.

Aquino also welcomed the substantive agreement between the two countries on the terms and concessions for the US to support the Philippines’ request for the extension of special treatment for rice imports until 2017.

“We also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is a high standard trade arrangement that will shape the global and regional economic architecture in the 21st century. The Philippines is working to ascertain how participation in TPP can be realized,” he said.

Peace agreement

He also expressed gratitude for US support for the peace negotiations between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“Our meeting today was comprehensive, historic, and significant – embodying our shared values and aspirations. It accorded President Obama and myself the opportunity to build on the relations between our countries, and discuss our strategic vision for the future of the Philippines-United States relationship – a relationship that is modern, mature, and forward-looking, and one that allows us to surpass challenges, towards the benefit of our peoples, the entire region, and the world,” Aquino said.

Meanwhile, Obama likewise expressed support for Aquino’s efforts to strengthen governance and fight corruption.