US pledges P5.2-M aid to Mayon victims

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The United States government has pledged P5.2 million in emergency assistance for victims of Mayon volcano’s eruption.

The US Embassy in Manila said their government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), made the pledge after the Albay provincial government declared a state of calamity.

“The U.S. government’s support is a testament to our unwavering partnership with the Philippines,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said in a statement on Thursday.

“In the last 10 years, the United States has provided nearly $277 million (over Php14.4 billion at today’s exchange rate) in disaster assistance to the Philippines.  This assistance has saved lives, alleviated human suffering, and reduced the economic and social impact of disasters,” he noted.

USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance would coordinate with the Philippine government in distributing the monetary aid.

Vouchers would be distributed to families for them to purchase essential household items and hygiene kits, the embassy said, adding that it would improve living conditions and help prevent illness in evacuation centers.

Moreover, USAID would construct latrines, bathing cubicles, and handwashing stations, as well as promote safe water and hygiene practices through educational materials, it added.

The embassy said the assistance was expected to benefit 4,000 people.

“USAID will continue to coordinate with the Philippine government and relief agencies in Albay to monitor the humanitarian situation and channel aid to people most in need,” it said.