US Provides Php84M in Humanitarian Aid, Logistics Support for Tropical Storm Kristine Response

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The United States government is providing PHP 84 million ($1.5 million) to support the Philippine government’s response to Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami.

This funding will enhance the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ongoing efforts to deliver lifesaving assistance to individuals severely affected by the storm in the Bicol region and Batangas.

Through this funding, USAID will ensure access to essential services, including clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter, and cash assistance. USAID will also provide logistical support for managing evacuation centers.

On Oct. 27, USAID assisted the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in sending 1,500 shelter-grade tarpaulins and 1,500 household relief kits to the Bicol region via a Singaporean C-130 aircraft. These disaster relief items were prepositioned at the OCD’s humanitarian relief depot at Fort Magsaysay, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Nueva Ecija.

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. launched this joint humanitarian prepositioning effort in September.

“My heart goes out to all those suffering the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Kristine,” Carlson said. “We are working side by side with the Philippine government to bring relief to communities in need.”

Since Oct. 25, the United States has collaborated with humanitarian partners to deliver prepositioned relief materials across the country. With USAID funding, the World Food Programme mobilized 33 trucks to support the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development in delivering more than 53,000 family food packs and other relief supplies to the Bicol region.

This assistance builds on prior U.S. support for Philippine disaster response efforts, such as during the February flooding in Mindanao, Super Typhoon Carina in July, and Super Typhoon Julian earlier in October.

Since 2010, the U.S. government has provided more than PHP 21.85 billion ($390.2 million) in disaster relief, preparedness, and early recovery assistance in the Philippines. USAID works year-round to help communities build resilience in preparing for and responding to the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.