US renews commitment to help Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has renewed its commitment to help Leyte recover from the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Acting Assistant Administrator for Asia of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Denise Rollins led the launch of the US-funded reconstruction and recovery activities in Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas in the province.

USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele accompanied Rollins in visiting typhoon-devastated sites.

Her visit reinforced the US government’s commitment to the Partnership for Growth, a bilateral agreement with the Philippine government to achieve resilient growth in the country.

In Leyte, the US embassy Manila’s USAID Rebuild program will focus on restoring access to education, health services and livelihood activities and providing technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery.

Leyte officials, led by Rep. Martin Romualdez and Gov. Dominic Petilla, attended the launch ceremonies.

An event was held at the San Fernando Central School, where the US government will construct a P21-million ($480,000) school building with eight classrooms.

As part of Rebuild’s education component, the US government will build and furnish up to 165 classrooms and provide teaching kits in coordination with the Department of Education.

US officials will also work with the Department of Health to construct and rehabilitate up to 10 health facilities, which will include the provision of vital equipment and supplies to address the most critical medical needs of the affected population.

“The new infrastructure facilities are designed to be more resilient to the impacts of earthquakes and extreme weather events,” Steele said.

The US government is also introducing climate-adaptive technologies to farmers and fishermen to enable them to pursue more lucrative and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

This will be complemented by production support, farming and post-harvest equipment and support facilities such as trading centers, boat landings, market buildings, warehouses and solar dryers, Steele said.