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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Locsin thanks US for its over P1-B aid for PH's 'Odette' relief ops

Locsin thanks US for its over P1-B aid for PH's 'Odette' relief ops

Published Dec 29, 2021 05:18 pm

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. thanked the United States for its additional P950-million donation to the Philippines as part of the ongoing relief operations in typhoon Odette-affected areas on Wednesday, Dec. 29.

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and US Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’Affaires Heather Variava (Photo courtesy of the DFA)

In a joint press briefing of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and US Embassy in the Philippines, Locsin welcomed the latest initiative from the US to help the country in its recovery from the deadly typhoon, which was announced by Charge d’Affaires Heather Variava Wednesday morning.

"We welcome the urgent action taken by the US government in mobilizing funds and its people to support us in our time of great need," Locsin said.

The DFA chief said the additional funding will be used to provide food aid, water, sanitation and hygiene programs (WASH), and shelter assistance to affected communities.

He also acknowledged the US as the "single largest country contributor" to the Philippines' ongoing relief operations.

"Our American partners are now the single largest country contributor to the government’s efforts to help our communities severely impacted by the typhoon begin the process of rebuilding their homes and lives," Locsin said.

READ MORE: US donates P950-M additional relief aid to PH

To date, the US government assistance for typhoon Odette amounts to P1.01 billion. It provided an initial P10-million aid immediately after the storm for emergency food and hygiene supplies and restoration of water supply and an additional P50 million earlier this week to support emergency logistical operations.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and the USAID. You are indeed our allies, partners and friends," he added.

Variava, on the other hand, commended the Philippine in its ongoing relief efforts as she extended the American people's "heartfelt sympathy to the millions of Filipinos affected by typhoon Odette, especially to those who lost loved ones in this terrible storm."

"I commend the response efforts of the Philippine government to help individuals, families, and communities recover and rebuild their lives following Super Typhoon Odette," Variava said, recognizing that hundreds of thousands are in need of immediate assistance.

"I am very pleased to be here today with Secretary Locsin and others to announce this robust assistance from the American people to support the immediate needs of individuals and families in the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Odette. This support will help ensure that food and other life-saving supplies reach those most in need," she added.

Variava also said that they are providing support, through an existing USAID program, to the International Organization for Migration, to help manage evacuation shelters and provide relief supplies. This includes heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet the urgent shelter needs of 4,800 families in Southern Leyte, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte, and other typhoon-affected regions.

She also noted the contributions made by US companies to communities affected by the typhoon. McDonald’s has provided 20,000 meals, Coca-Cola has provided more than 26,000 liters of water, and Procter & Gamble has provided 800,000 pesos of hygiene products via the Philippine Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, Locsin also expressed gratitude to various foreign countries which have sent their respective donations to the Philippines since the beginning of the relief operations.

Among these countries are China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Switzerland, Singapore, New Zealand, Hungary, Ireland, and Israel.

READ MORE: More foreign aid pour for PH amid 'Odette' relief ops

Related Tags

US Embassy in the Philippines Charge dAffaires Heather Variava Typhoon Odette 122921 SECRETARY TEODORO LOCSIN JR
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