THE United States is providing $1 million in assistance to support the Philippine government’s disaster relief operations in communities devastated by Typhoon Tino and recent earthquakes in the Southern Philippines. The aid package will focus on providing emergency shelter, logistics services, and safe water and sanitation to the areas hardest hit by the typhoon.
The US State Department emphasized the strong alliance and enduring friendship between the two nations, stating, “The United States and the Philippines are not only ironclad allies—we are friends and partners bound by a shared history, common values, and a steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As millions of Filipinos face the challenges left by these disasters, including the loss of family and loved ones, our rapid response stands as a testament to the depth and resilience of our enduring ties, especially in times of crisis.”
The aid comes as the Philippines grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, which has left at least 188 people dead and 135 missing, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Nearly half a million people have been displaced and evacuated to shelters. Cebu was particularly hard-hit, with 139 fatalities, mostly due to flash floods. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency on Thursday. The US State Department said its disaster assistance will remain closely coordinated with the Philippine government and local organizations to ensure timely and effective relief for those most in need, especially as the country braces for another potentially powerful typhoon, Fung-wong (Uwan).
