US donates P17.5 million for ecosystem, community recovery efforts in Odette-hit areas
MANILA, Philippines — The United States government announced an additional assistance worth P17.5 million to support recovery efforts for the communities and ecosystems in areas devastated by Typhoon Odette (Rai).
The US Embassy in Manila on Tuesday said the aid will support local organizations in assessing the extent of damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats, enhancing their resilience and recovery, and providing assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples.
Seven civil society organizations working in Siargao Island, Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, and mainland Caraga will receive P2.5 million each from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Projects will focus on rehabilitating coastal and terrestrial ecosystems, supporting assessments to help local governments in their disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, rebuilding livelihoods through biodiversity-friendly enterprises, and providing community members with incentives to participate in rehabilitation projects.
“This additional assistance will help ensure that communities devastated by the typhoon not only receive immediate relief, but also long-term support that will have a significant impact on their lives and the environment on which they depend,” USAID Philippines Mission director Ryan Washburn said.
The new funding from Washington brought its total aid for Odette relief and recovery efforts to nearly P1.1 billion.
The Philippines, one of the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of human-induced climate change, gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones every year.
A thread of notable updates on the Philippines' bilateral relations with the United States. — Main image from FPRI
The US government provides more than P450 million ($8 million) additional funding to strengthen the disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities in the Philippines.
This was provided through the US agency for International Development.
According to the US Embassy, the additional funding is eyed to enhance the typhoon preparedness and develop resilient livelihood strategies in disaster prone areas such as the Bicol, CARAGA and Eastern Visayas region.
"It will also fund partnerships with the private sector to help ensure the continuity of businesses and other critical services, such as energy and water, after disasters," the embassy reports. — Rosette Adel
United States of America President Joe Biden is celebrating the Filipino American History Month.
Biden issues a message dedicated to the Filipino-American community.
"Jill and I are thrilled to celebrate Filipino American History Month, honoring the rich heritage and traditions of millions of Filipino Americans. To our Filipino American community: Thank you for all you do to ensure our nation continues to be the land of opportunity," he says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reports that BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa joined the Philippine Navy fleet to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capabilities to defend the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"The U.S. supported this modernization effort through foreign military financing assistance," she says.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson shares a photo with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth in her Manila office.
In a tweet, Carlson welcomes Duckworth.
"Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity," the tweet reads.
Honored to welcome @SenDuckworth to the Philippines! Looking forward to important discussions with Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies on our strong ???????????????? bilateral ties and economic cooperation. #PartnersInProsperity pic.twitter.com/kFgFYrFKAe
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) August 7, 2023
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III's reaffirms the United States and Philippines' "commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond" in a call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
During the call, Austin says there are opportunities for the two countries to coordinate more closely with like-minded partners such as Japan and Australia "to ensure the region's shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific continues to thrive."
Austin and Teodory agree to meet in person to discuss the defense and security priorities of the Philippines and U.S.
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