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Philippines

Philippines: US government pledges $5 million assistance to victims of typhoon "Reming" in Bicol

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), pledged to provide $5 million to the families in Camarines Sur and Albay who were affected by typhoon "Reming" in 2006.

Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala and Ambassador Kristie Kenney, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) recently at the Albay Provincial Capitol in Legazpi City. According to Ambassador Kenney, the assistance will support a number of integrated interventions and activities, such as restoring and providing permanent core shelter units, community infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities; providing basic household supplies; supporting the rehabilitation and diversification of livelihood; and capacity building for disaster risk reduction.

These activities will be undertaken by the International Outreach Migration (IOM) and Save the Children Foundation.

On the other hand, the Philippine government, through the DSWD, intends to restore as soon as possible the physical security, food security, livelihood, and dignity to typhoon victims, as well as facilitate the realization of the objectives of the program, as specified in the MOI.

The MOI signing was witnessed by Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte, Jr., Mr. Daniel Moore, Acting Mission Director, USAID, Mr. Bruce Reed, IOM Country representative, Ms. Nilda Vilchez, Save the Children Acting Mission Director, provincial officials and members of the Regional Development Coordinating Council (RDCC).

Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala expressed her gratitude to the U.S. government for their kindness and continuous support.

"This project which will be implemented with local government units, aims to help victims of typhoons in Albay and Camarines Sur rebuild their lives," Undersecretary Bala explained.