US Embassy gives P6.5M to help Albay, Sorsogon residents rebuild homes

From GMA News (Jul 20): US Embassy gives P6.5M to help Albay, Sorsogon residents rebuild homes

The United States government has provided P6.5 million ($150,000) in aid to victims of Typhoon Glendsa (Rammasun) in Bicol, one of the areas hardest hit by the storm.

In a news release, the US Embassy in Manila said the aid includes 600 shelter return kits for families in Albay and Sorsogon provinces.

"We will continue to work with our counterparts to help the Philippines mitigate, prepare for, and respond to natural disasters as we work on achieving inclusive and resilient growth," said US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

He also extended the American people's "deepest condolences" for the devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Glenda.

Figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as of Sunday morning indicated Glenda left at least 94 dead and more than P7 billion in damage.

"The US government stands ready to assist the Philippine authorities in helping affected families bounce back from this tragedy," Goldberg said.

The US Agency for International Development will work with World Vision International to distribute the 600 shelter return kits.

Each kit has galvanized iron sheets, plywood, nails, blankets, mosquito nets, and plastic mats "to help families rebuild homes damaged during the storm."

Meanwhile, Goldberg commended the efforts of the national and local governments and the communities to minimize the loss of life before and during the storm.

On July 17, the US government had announced it would provide  P107.5 million ($2.5 million) in assistance to build community resilience to flood and other disasters in Metro Manila.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371187/news/regions/us-embassy-gives-p6-5m-to-help-albay-sorsogon-residents-rebuild-homes