US aid for typhoon victims tops P1.6 billion

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon assistance from the United States government amounted to more than P1.6 billion or $29 million, making the US the largest humanitarian donor in the country.

“Through this funding from the American people, USAID (US Agency for International Development) has provided critical shelter assistance, increased access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, restored agricultural livelihood, ensured essential sexual and reproductive health services and provided protection programs for women and children,” the US embassy said.

USAID handed over on Monday 167 transitional shelters for more than 900 people displaced by Tropical Storm Agaton in Abuyog and Baybay City in Leyte.

USAID mission director Ryan Washburn and International Organization for Migration (IOM) chief of mission Tristan Burnett led the turnover ceremony in Baybay.

Abuyog and Baybay were among the areas hardest hit by Agaton in April, leaving 187 dead and 16,700 families homeless and without livelihood.

“Recognizing the close family ties and the strong bonds within communities, my wish this holiday season is that these shelters will bring your family and communities together again in a safer environment,” Washburn said.

USAID partnered with IOM to assist more than 12,000 people by improving access to safer living spaces, working with local authorities to identify relocation sites, providing flexible shelter packages and training households in building better techniques.

The US also supported the repair of water systems and sanitation facilities as well as distribution of hygiene supplies and water treatment devices to the most vulnerable households.