U.S. government renews commitment to help Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — United States Agency for International Development  acting assistant administrator for Asia, Denise Rollins, led the launch of the U.S.-funded reconstruction and recovery activities in typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)-affected areas yesterday.

Rollins, who was accompanied by USAID/Philippines mission director Gloria Steele, has been visiting program sites and engaging with local leaders and families that represent the wide scope of USAID's work, from government officials, to business and community pioneers, to survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

The latest visit of Rollins reinforced the U.S. government's commitment to the Partnership for Growth-a bilateral agreement with the Philippine government to achieve broad-based, inclusive and resilient growth in the country.

In Leyte, the U.S. Embassy officials said the USAID Rebuild program, in partnership with the Philippine government, focuses 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.

Rollins said: "The U.S. government is committed to help restore normalcy in the lives of the affected families. We will continue our work with our Philippine partners to help the province build back better, to be more resilient to future disasters, and ultimately work towards a more stable, prosperous nation that can achieve broad-based and inclusive growth."

Leyte government officials, led by Governor Dominic Petilla and 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, attended the launch ceremonies, which was held at the San Fernando Central School, where the U.S. government will construct a P21 million (US$480,000) school building with eight classrooms.

As part of Rebuild's education component, the U.S. will build and furnish up to 165 classrooms and provide teaching kits. This will be implemented in close coordination with the Department of Education to address the need for permanent school buildings in Yolanda-affected areas.

"We will also work with the Department of Health to construct and rehabilitate up to 10 health facilities. This will include the provision of vital equipment and supplies to address the most critical medical needs of the affected population. "These new infrastructure facilities are designed to be more resilient to the impacts of earthquakes and extreme weather events," said Steele.

The U.S. is also introducing climate-adaptive technologies to farmers and fisherfolk, complemented by production support, farming and post-harvest equipment, and support facilities such as trading centers, boat landings, market buildings, warehouses and solar dryers.

Overall, the U.S. government support is estimated at approximately $142.5 million to help the people of the Philippines respond to, and recover from, the devastating effects of typhoon Yolanda. (FREEMAN)