U.S. Embassy, Manila

July 5, 2007

 

 

U.S. Ambassador Kenney Announces $5 Million

in Typhoon Reconstruction Aid for Bicol Region

 

 

 

The American people are giving $5 million in typhoon reconstruction assistance to international non-governmental organizations to assist typhoon-affected communities in the Bicol Region, announced Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney during an event in Legaspi City on July 4.

 

The announcement, which came on Philippine-American Friendship Day, described the newest U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) humanitarian program to benefit residents of Albay and Camarines Sur provinces.  USAID is giving $5 million in typhoon reconstruction assistance to build up to 1,000 new homes and 10 community centers for displaced residents. 

 

Pictured signing a Memorandum of Intent for the $5 million donation are Camarines Sur Provincial Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte; Undersecretary Alicia Bala, Department of Social Welfare and Development; Ambassador Kenney; and Albay Provincial Governor Joey Salceda. 

 

            The International Office for Migration and the Save the Children organization will receive the funds and oversee the reconstruction programs.

 

The American people have long supported Filipino families and communities who suffered from natural disasters.  In 2006, USAID gave more than $825,000 in assistance to victims of typhoons Reming and Milenyo, and the Southern Leyte landslides.  The U.S. Military also provided assistance during the landslides, and sent Sailors to the region during Operation Goodwill and the visit of the USS Comstock this year to donate goods such as clothes, toys, food, and medical supplies; work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide free health clinics; and conduct engineering projects to repair, improve, and clean schools and evacuation centers.

 

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