US gov’t continues to provide aid, relief efforts to typhoon-ravaged areas in RP, says embassy

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 17): US gov’t continues to provide aid, relief efforts to typhoon-ravaged areas in RP, says embassy

The United States Embassy reported donations totaling P683,844,658 by the US government to assist individuals ravaged by typhoon “Pablo” that struck in December 2012 in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Negros Oriental provinces.

“We continue to work hand in hand with the government of the Philippines and non-governmental organizations to make sure that assistance is reaching those who need it most in typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines,” the US Embassy said.

In summary of all activities undertaken by the US government to assist with the disaster relief effort since Dec. 5, 2012, a total amount of P683,800,000 has provided to support emergency and recovery assistance to individuals affected by typhoon Pablo.

“This funding is helping address the humanitarian needs of typhoon-affected populations in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Negros Oriental provinces, including support for emergency shelter, logistics and water, sanitation and hygiene activities, as well as the provision of emergency relief commodities and rice.

“This also includes the rehabilitation of small infrastructure, replacement of key educational assets such as desks and learning materials and distribution of health equipment,” the embassy said.

Over the past five years, a total amount of P2,836,640,000 had been provided by the US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), to aid with the disaster response in the Philippines, the embassy said.

The US government is helping the Philippines cope with the effects of calamities by improving mechanisms to effectively adapt and respond to natural disasters. This includes responses to typhoons “Ondoy” in 2009, “Juan” in 2010, “Sendong” in 2011 and “Pablo” in 2012, the embassy said.

Gloria Steele, mission director of the USAid, visited Compostela Valley yesterday to reiterate the US government’s commitment to help rebuild the lives of typhoon victims.

Steele, assisted by Compostela Gov. Arturo Uy, turned over educational materials worth more than P1.2 million to students and teachers of Cabinuangan Central Elementary School, provided seeds and fertilizer that will directly benefit 120 local farmers, and led the ground-breaking of a P2.5-million trading facility.

Steele said the initiatives are part of the US government’s ongoing P201-million disaster recovery assistance for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, with the two provinces suffering the heaviest casualties and damages from typhoon Pablo.

Steele also announced an additional US assistance of P287 million to support disaster preparedness initiatives in the Philippines.

“The US government continues to work with the Philippine government to help these provinces recover from the impact of the disaster and enable them to rebuild their lives. We will partner with local governments, schools and communities to develop disaster preparedness contingency plans, which will help them better prepare for disasters,” Steele said.

Cabinuangan Central Elementary School (CES), with a student population of over 1,500 students, is among the 30 elementary and high schools that will receive USAid educational assistance packages consisting of student and teacher kits, blackboards, school furniture and assorted reference materials.

The Compostela Trading Center, in Barangay Poblacion, will benefit 23,000 residents, providing farmers and traders with a convenient and weather-resilient venue to consolidate and sell their produce, and consequently, spur economic activity in the area.

The provision of farm production inputs supports the USAID goal of helping typhoon-affected communities, whose farmlands were heavily damaged by the typhoon, to access alternative farming and livelihood technologies.

US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr. said in a statement, “We mourn the loss of life and property, but we also celebrate the determination of the people of Compostela Valley and other affected areas to bounce back, rebuild and persevere.”

Typhoon Pablo struck in December 2012 that caused extensive damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture particularly in the municipalities of Compostela, Monkayo, Laak, Montevista and New Bataan in Compostela Valley, and in Baganga, Boston and Cateel in Davao Oriental.

The US government, through USAID, provided P508.4 million in emergency humanitarian assistance. This included emergency shelter; logistics support; water, sanitation and hygiene activities; and the provision of emergency relief commodities and rice.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/15493-us-gov-t-continues-to-provide-aid-relief-efforts-to-typhoon-ravaged-areas-in-rp-says-embassy