The US has extended P450 million to the Philippines as additional funding to strengthen the country's disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities.
The new funding will come from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). It will enhance typhoon preparedness and develop resilient strategies in Regions 5, 8 and Caraga, the US Embassy in Manila said.
"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," it added.
US' assistance will also train personnel from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other relevant government agencies, the embassy said.
That will help them set up post-disaster logistics, emergency sheltersa and emergency telecommunications.
"USAID will also work with local government units in Eastern Samar and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to set up referral systems for children’s welfare and protection during disasters," the embassy said.
In extending assistance to the Philippines, USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn said the US is "reminded of how vulnerable many Philippine communities are to the impacts of natural disasters."
"We are proud of our partnership with the Philippine government to help the Filipino people prepare for and respond to disasters," Washburn added.
The US is a Philippine partner in preparing for and responding to disasters.
Since 2010, USAID has provided approximately P17 billion in disaster relief and recovery aid and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.