United States to Provide $1 Million Aid to Carina, Habagat Victims

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MANILA, Philippines — The United States government announced it will provide $1 million in humanitarian assistance to those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).


The US Embassy stated on Wednesday that the aid, facilitated by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger, will include food aid, hygiene kits, emergency shelter kits, clean water, and one-time cash transfers. The aid targets victims in Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, the National Capital Region, and Pampanga.


Official Statements


"The United States is providing $1 million to ensure life-saving assistance reaches families across the archipelago who have been devastated by severe flooding and landslides. We are committed to working with the Philippine government and people as they rebuild and recover from this disaster," said USAID Acting Mission Director Betty Chung.


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Manila on Tuesday, reiterated this commitment, extending condolences and a message of solidarity from US President Joe Biden. "Let me just start by sending our deepest condolences to all the victims of the recent typhoon and to say again, anything we can do to be of assistance, we welcome doing that," Blinken conveyed to President Marcos during a joint courtesy call with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.


Ongoing Efforts


Since July 16, USAID has been aiding flood victims in Mindanao and Central Luzon in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.



Future Plans


Part of the US government’s $500 million allocation to boost the Philippines' defense capabilities will be used for Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, which will also serve humanitarian and disaster response purposes. USAID plans to preposition disaster relief supplies at an EDCA location later this year.


Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the multidimensional benefits of these investments, which will support the country's development and enhance cooperation between the United States and the Philippines, as well as with other allied nations.


Impact of Carina and Habagat


The combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon have affected over 4.8 million people nationwide, resulting in at least 39 fatalities. The Department of Agriculture estimated the damage to be at least P1.21 billion as of Wednesday, while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported infrastructural damage totaling at least P4.26 million on Tuesday. 



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