The United States (US) has announced that it will provide an additional P17.5-million assistance to the Philippines for the recovery of areas affected by the onslaught of typhoon Odette.

In a statement Tuesday, April 19, the US Embassy in the Philippines announced the additional donation which is part of the US government's overall response to the devastating typhoon that hit the country in December 2021.

"This new funding brings the total US government aid for Typhoon Odette relief and recovery efforts to nearly P1.1 billion ($21.54 million)," the US Embassy said.

It will be coursed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

It was disclosed that the additional assistance will support local organizations in assessing the extent of damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats, enhancing their resilience and recovery, and provide assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples whose livelihoods were destroyed by the typhoon.

Activities 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 incentives for local communities to participate in projects that will help rehabilitate their natural resource base.

Seven civil society organizations in Siargao Island, Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, and mainland Caraga will receive P2.5 million each to implement projects that will avert long-term damage and mitigate environmental risks, the embassy said.

These organizations are Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan, Palawan Biodiversity Conservation Advocates, Sentro Para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, South Pacific Integrated Area Development Foundation, Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, and World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines.

“We will continue to support the Philippines as it recovers from the massive damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems from Typhoon Odette,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn.

“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,” Washburn added.