MANILA, Philippines — The United States on Wednesday announced new assistance worth P100 million for food security in war-torn Marawi and nearby areas.
The new aid, which will be distributed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), brings the total US government contribution to those affected by the Marawi conflict to P1.2 billion.
This makes the US the top source of foreign assistance for Marawi response and rehabilitation.
"The US government continues to stand by the Filipino people as a friend, partner, and ally to support those affected by the Marawi conflict as they rebuild their lives," US Ambassador Sung Kim said.
USAID, in partnership with the World Food Programme, will provide 1.8 million kilograms of rice, which would feed an estimated 45,000 people for four months.
DSWD officer-in-charge Emmanuel Leyco, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima and World Food Programme country director Stepehn Gluding joined Kim during the ceremonial handover of the rice.
USAID is the US government's lead agency for international development and disaster assistance.
The US agency one of the Philippine government's partners in recovery, stabilization and rehabilitation of Marawi City.
Last January, the US allocated P330 million to fund livelihood training for the young people in Marawi.
According to the US Embassy, USAID continues to work with the Philippine government to deliver humanitarian assistance and promote long-term stability in the Lanao del Sur capital. — Patricia Lourdes Viray