Pampanga: The Philippines and the United States have reinforced their growing cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as the US announced an additional USD1.5 million in emergency aid to support ongoing relief efforts in typhoon-affected regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson revealed the additional funding during a joint visit with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to Clark Air Base. The visit highlighted the collaboration between Philippine and US personnel, who are preparing thousands of family food packs (FFPs) for delivery to Catanduanes and other affected provinces.

The newly announced aid increases the total US support for the current disaster response to USD2.5 million in the wake of typhoons Tino and Uwan, which severely impacted several regions across Luzon and Visayas. Ambassador Carlson praised the coordinated efforts of Philippine and US responders, emphasizing their dedication and teamwork in challenging conditions.

Defense Secretary Teodoro expressed gratitude for the US’s swift assistance, underscoring that joint crisis responses strengthen the bilateral alliance. He stated, “The alliance between the United States and the Philippines becomes stronger every time we are tested together. It’s about helping those who are defenseless, those who need help, and those who are yet to be born.”

As of November 15, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has allocated 10,000 FFPs for Catanduanes, with 8,500 already delivered to Virac and 1,500 en route. During their visit, Teodoro and Carlson observed the staging, loading, and airlift operations, and toured a US C-130 humanitarian aircraft.

Simultaneously, a Philippine Navy-Marine humanitarian contingent arrived at Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Lapu-Lapu City to aid in clearing, search and rescue, and relief operations in Balamban, Cebu. This area remains challenging to access due to typhoon damage. The contingent includes the Philippine Marine Corps HADR Company and engineering units from the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, continuing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to providing timely and effective disaster assistance.