US provides additional P330M aid for Marawi

MANILA, Philippines — Following its initial P730 million assistance for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, the US government has announced an additional P330 million fund for the war-torn city.

Through the US Agency for International Development or USAID, Washington now has a total of over P1 billion worth of contribution to the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi and surrounding areas.

READ: US provides P730M aid for Marawi rehab

“This new funding will support some of the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said.

The additional funding would provide opportunities for the youth of Marawi to enhance their livelihood skills and assist strengthen vulnerable populations within their communities.

"The United States is deeply committed to supporting our friend and ally in long-term recovery efforts to ensure a brighter and more peaceful future for the people of Mindanao," Kim added.

The initial assistance of USAID involves restoring water access and distributing desks for schools in affected areas. The US agency has also been providing health clinics in Marawi and surrounding areas to counter tuberculosis and support maternal, newborn and child health needs.

The USAID will continue to provide public services, such as water and electricity. Part of the assistance also includes working with communities to promote community dialogue and improve health and education systems, according to a release from the US Embassy.

"To help fortify the area’s longer-term stabilization and rehabilitation, USAID will offer skills training and psychosocial counseling for youth, and promote community alternatives to violent extremism," the US Embassy said.

During his visit to Manila last November, US President Donald Trump congratulated President Rodrigo Duterte on the liberation of Marawi from ISIS-inspired terror groups. In their meeting, the Philippine leader expressed gratitude to his American counterpart for the more than $1 billion foreign assistance that the US had provided to the Philippines for the past eight years.

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