Obama: ‘More help is on the way’

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): Obama: ‘More help is on the way’

United States President Barack Obama on Thursday (Friday Manila time) reassured the Filipino people that “more help is on the way” for the victims of the deadliest storm to hit the country this year.

Speaking during the press briefing on the cancellation of health-care policies under the Affordable Care Act at the White House, Obama described the tragedy in the Philippines as a “heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is.”

“So our prayers are with the Filipino people and with Filipino-Americans across our country who are anxious about their family and friends back home,” he declared.

Obama further reiterated the promise he gave President Benigno Aquino III last Wednesday during their telephone conversation that the US will continue to offer whatever assistance it can.

He said American military personnel and the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) team are already on the ground “working tirelessly” to deliver food, water, medicine, shelter and to help with airlift.

Likewise, Obama said the US aircraft carrier U.S.S. George Washington and other ships are already in the Philippines to help with the search and rescue, as well as to deliver supplies, offer medical care and extend logistical support.

“You know, one of our core principles is when friends are in trouble, America helps,” the US President pointed out. “America’s strength, of course has always been more than just about what our government can do; it’s also about what our citizens can do. It’s about the bigheartedness of the American people when they see other folks in trouble.”

Once again, Obama encouraged Americans who want to help to visit WhiteHouse.gov/ typhoon to find out how they can support the relief efforts.

“Our friends in the Philippines will face a long, hard road ahead, but they’ll continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America,” he stated.

This is the third time that Obama issued a statement about typhoon Yolanda.

Last Nov. 11, he said the US government is providing $20 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to benefit typhoon-affected populations, including the provision of emergency shelter, food assistance, relief commodities, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support.

The following day, President Obama spoke with President Aquino over the phone to express deep condolences on behalf of the American people for the lives lost and damage caused by one of the strongest storms to ever hit land.
 
He discussed with his Filipino counterpart the need for a speedy assessment of what further American resources would be most helpful to assist in the Philippine recovery effort.

President Obama also affirmed that the thoughts and prayers of the American people go out to the millions of people in the Philippines affected by the calamity.

http://www.mb.com.ph/obama-more-help-is-on-the-way/