The United States has donated an additional $ 19 million or up to P950 million to the Philippines to help the victims of typhoon Odette.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava announced this at a joint press conference held at the Department of Foreign Affairs with Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
According to Variava, this is to help revitalize areas badly devastated by the storm.
“Given the level of destruction and displacement across a large geographic area and multiple provinces as a result of the typhoon, hundreds of thousands are in need of immediate assistance and therefore today I am honoured to share that the United States has announced an additional P950 million, US $ 19 million in humanitarian assistance to help meet the immediate needs of Filipinos affected by typhoon Odette,” she said.
Variava also extended her condolences to those who died due to the ravages of the typhoon.
“First and foremost, on behalf of the American people we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the millions of Filipinos affected by typhoon Odette specially to those who lost love ones during this terrible storm,” she said.
As a result of the new donation, the amount of aid that the United States is distributing to the Philippines has reached $ 20.2 million or more than one billion pesos.
America is also a member of the international community that makes the biggest contribution to government.
US donates P950-M aid for Odette victims
Locsin immediately thanked the United States.
“We welcome the urgent action taken by the U.S. government in mobilizing funds and its people to support us in our time of great need. 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,” the secretary said.
“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 added.
Variava, on the other hand, assured that the United States would continue to assist the Philippines.
“We will continue to partner with the Philippines to strengthen natural disaster response and support Filipinos in their recovery efforts.”
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