MANILA-The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional Php196 million ($3.5 million) to support the Philippine government’s response to Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Tropical Storm Trami.

Through this assistance, USAID will support logistics and provide clean water, sanitation, shelter, and cash assistance to help residents in the most affected areas of Bicol and Batangas meet their basic needs. This assistance is also supporting communities that have been affected by subsequent disasters.

This new funding is in addition to the P84 million ($1.5 million) announced in October to provide emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene assistance, and critical logistics support, raising the total value of U.S. support for the Philippines’ disaster response to P280 million ($5 million).
“As your friend, partner, and ally, the United States is committed to working with the Philippine government and people as they rebuild and recover,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.
Since October 25, the United States has been working with humanitarian partners to deliver lifesaving assistance to communities affected by tropical storms, typhoons, and subsequent flooding.
The Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) distributed 1,500 shelter-grade tarpaulins and 1,500 kitchen sets funded by USAID to disaster-affected families in Albay and Camarines Sur. These relief items were prepositioned in the OCD humanitarian relief depot at Fort Magsaysay, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Nueva Ecija.
USAID and IOM are working together to assist more than 4,000 families in the Bicol region, Ilocos region, and Batangas by providing shelter grade tarpaulins, shelter repair kits, and WASH kits.
Through USAID funding, the United Nations World Food Programme also mobilized 92 trucks that supported Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development in delivering more than 150,000 family food packs and other relief items to Albay, Benguet, Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, and La Union.
This new assistance builds on the United States’ previous support to Philippine government’s disaster response efforts, including during catastrophic flooding in Mindanao in February, Super Typhoon Carina in July, and Super Typhoon Julian in October.
Since 2010, the United States government has provided more than P22 billion ($393.6 million) in disaster relief, preparedness, and early recovery in the Philippines. USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for, and responding to, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
(US Embassy)

TACLOBAN CITY – House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan is urging the Senate to approve the proposed P114 billion allocation for the 4Ps and P39 billion for the AKAP (Ayuda para Kapos ang Kita Program) under the 2025 national budget.

Libanan emphasized the importance of these programs in helping vulnerable families cope with rising costs.

“These cash transfer programs are effective in improving the lives of disadvantaged families,” he said.

He also pointed out that despite some Senate members questioning the AKAP’s priority, the program has the President’s support, citing the P26.7 billion allocation in the 2024 budget.

The 4Ps targets 4.4 million households, offering cash grants tied to health, education, and family development. The next budget will extend aid to pregnant women until their child turns two.

Libanan stressed that both programs are essential in fighting poverty and enhancing access to education, health, and nutrition.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATARMAN, N. Samar– Employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO), led by District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio and Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco, spearheaded a coastal clean-up drive along the Dalakit Shoreline in Catarman, Northern Samar, on October 18, 2024.

A total of 15 sacks of garbage, composed mostly of biodegradable materials such as driftwoods, coconut husks, coconut leaf rachis, among others were collected by more than 100 NSFDEO employees who participated the activity.

District Engineer Ignacio stressed the importance of coastal clean-ups as a tangible effort in preserving and protecting the environment and its resources.

“These clean-up drives allow us to directly contribute to preserving our planet, especially our oceans and coastlines. The trash we collect could otherwise end up harming marine life and contaminating our waters,” DE Ignacio said.

He also mentioned that this was their second coastal clean-up activity for the year and expressed hope that the initiative will continue as a regular activity of the district.

“Our continued involvement in this activity strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship, and we aim to sustain this momentum,” Ignacio added.

The coastal clean-up is part of DPWH-NSFDEO’s series of activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness among employees and the community. (PR)