The United States (US) government's latest humanitarian gesture toward the Philippines demonstrates “the continuing solidarity of our oldest ally in times of adversity".

That’s how House Speaker Martin Romualdez described the US' additional allocation of ₱13.8 million ($250,000) in emergency shelter assistance and hygiene kits for 3,000 Filipino families affected by severe flooding caused by southwest monsoon rains in July.

“We deeply appreciate this generous assistance, which will significantly help many of our kababayans as they rebuild their homes and regain a sense of normalcy,” Romualdez said in a statement Saturday, Aug. 9

“This gesture from Washington reaffirms the US unwavering commitment to stand with the Filipino people in both good times and in times of great need," added the Leyte 1st district congressman

The House leader noted that aside from directly helping flood victims, the US aid underscores the depth of the countries’ bilateral relations, rooted in mutual trust, shared values, and a collective goal to uplift lives.

“Our alliance with the US extends beyond defense and economic cooperation. It is a relationship built on genuine compassion and friendship. Time and again, the US has stood by us in our greatest times of need, and for that, we are truly grateful,” he further said.

On Friday, the US Embassy in Manila announced the additional funding, which will provide emergency shelter materials and hygiene kits to approximately 15,000 individuals still staying in evacuation centers in the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

With this supplemental assistance, the total U.S. humanitarian support for disaster response efforts in the Philippines now amounts to ₱27.6 million ($500,000).

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), will distribute the shelter-grade tarpaulins, repair kits, and essential household items to families whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

Each kit includes basic construction tools and materials to enable households to begin rebuilding.

Hygiene kits—consisting of soap, buckets, and cleaning supplies—will also be distributed, while the IOM will monitor sanitation conditions in evacuation centers to help prevent the spread of disease.

Romualdez urged the DSWD to ensure the efficient and transparent distribution of the latest assistance.

“We ask the DSWD to prioritize low-income households, especially those with senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and young children. These families need urgent support as they rebuild amid the ongoing rainy season,” he said.

He also called on other government agencies and local government units to complement the US aid by ensuring that families in evacuation centers have access to clean, safe hygiene and sanitation facilities.

“We must also do our part in caring for our displaced kababayans. Ensuring their health and safety in evacuation centers is essential, especially as we continue to deal with the impacts of climate change,” Romualdez emphasized.