US provides PHP196M aid for Kristine recovery

The US government announced an additional PHP196 million in aid on Thursday to support the Philippines' response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

This funding will be provided through USAID and will cover logistics, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and cash assistance for affected areas in Bicol and Batangas, including communities hit by subsequent disasters.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson emphasized that the US is committed to supporting the Philippine government and people as they recover from the storm's impact.

The total value of US aid now stands at PHP280 million, including an initial PHP84 million announced in October.

Since Oct. 25, USAID has been working with partners to deliver relief items such as tarpaulins and kitchen sets to disaster-affected families in Albay and Camarines Sur.

USAID is also collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN World Food Program to assist over 4,000 families by providing shelter kits and hygiene supplies.

Through USAID funding, the UN World Food Program mobilized trucks to deliver more than 150,000 family food packs and other relief items across affected regions.