US commits P5.2-M emergency aid for Mayon evacuees

FILE: The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed PHP5.2 million in emergency assistance to address immediate needs of people most affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano in Albay. (Photo: PHIVOLCS-DOST/Facebook)

MANILA — The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed PHP5.2 million in emergency assistance to address immediate needs of people most affected by the eruption of Mayon volcano in Albay.

This follows the Albay provincial government’s declaration of a state of calamity in the area.

According to the US Embassy in Manila, USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, in coordination with the Philippine government, will distribute vouchers for families to purchase essential household items and hygiene kits in order to improve living conditions and help prevent illness in evacuation centers.

In addition, USAID will construct latrines, bathing cubicles, and hand-washing stations, as well as promote safe water and hygiene practices through educational materials.

Overall, the embassy said assistance is expected to benefit 4,000 people.

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

In the last 10 years, Kim said US has provided nearly USD277 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 added.

USAID for its part committed to continue coordination with the Philippine government and relief agencies in Albay to monitor the humanitarian situation and channel aid to people most in need.