US to send P34M more for ‘Sendong’ relief

MANILA, Philippines—The United States government is providing an additional $800,000 (P34.4 million) to address the immediate needs of the victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong” in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.

In a statement on Saturday, the US Embassy said the fresh funding would be used to provide logistical support for water distribution and temporary shelter materials. The amount augmented the initial US assistance of $100,000 (P4.1 million) that was given through the US Agency for International Development (Usaid).

Apart from the financial assistance, the US Marine Forces Pacific (Marforpac) will work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to bring three high-capacity water purification units to the flood-stricken areas.

Marforpac is also sending technical experts to assist in the operation of the water purification units, which can process 13,000 gallons per day.

Search and rescue

Earlier, the US Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines (JSOTF-P) lent two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats to the AFP to support early search and rescue operations.

“The United States applauds the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts undertaken by Philippine civilian and military authorities.  While we believe that the resilience of flood-affected communities will eventually prevail, the US government and the American people are committed to providing further assistance as requested and where needed to ensure that survivors can get back on their feet and start anew,” said Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.

Members of the Filipino-American community in the US have stepped up relief assistance for those affected by Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported.

Among them was the Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc. (HTFI) based in the US Northeast which donated a check for $6,000, the DFA said. Reports from Tina G. Santos in Manila; Ryan D. Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao