The United States has committed around ₱13.8 million to assist the Philippines in its ongoing disaster response efforts following widespread flooding caused by successive storms and intense monsoon rains.
The US Embassy in Manila confirmed on Friday that the aid will be channeled through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the Philippine government’s relief operations. The assistance, sourced from the US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will be used primarily to transport food supplies to affected areas across Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
“We are tracking the devastation caused by the storms and floods and are deeply concerned for all those affected,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “The U.S. Embassy’s interagency team is coordinating closely with the Philippine government and the WFP to ensure aid reaches those in need.”
As of Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported at least 25 deaths linked to the recent weather disturbances, which also displaced over 167,000 individuals now seeking shelter in evacuation centers. The floods and landslides have affected more than 3.8 million people nationwide.
Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro mentioned plans to seek logistical support from the US for the mobilization of around three million relief packs stored at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.
The US aid comes as a timely boost to the country’s efforts to bring urgent relief to devastated communities.
