Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
President Marcos has expressed his gratitude to the United States government for extending emergency assistance to those affected by the recent flooding and landslides in Mindanao after the US envoy vowed that Washington is always ready to aid the Philippines.
Marcos said this during the courtesy call of US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson in Malacañan on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
During their meeting, Carlson told Marcos that Washington was always ready to help the Philippines and that it was pleased to bring two C-130s from the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) even if it was not the cheapest or the easiest way to deliver foreign assistance.
“But when you ask and you need it we are here,” she said.
“Teams come from USAID, JUSMAG, and our team from INDOPACOM… just how impressive your own DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) is in coordinating the relief supplies,” she added.
According to Carlson, the Philippines is already able to help the victims of the recent calamity but noted that a little push is always helpful.
“There’s so much that can be done more efficiently through the mechanism that exists… but sometimes you just need an extra push and it is also a good demonstration of how good the alliance can deliver,” she said.
In addition to the aid delivered by two US C-130s, the US government has also extended $1.25 million in emergency support.
Carlson said the success of the administration in delivering much-needed aid to the people highlights the value of the Philippine-US alliance.
For his part, President Marcos cited the importance of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for disaster relief and response, as he encouraged the American ambassador to make full use of those facilities.
Marcos visited Davao City last week and extended P265 million worth of financial assistance for the residents of the Davao region who were affected by the rains caused by the shear line and low-pressure area.
The financial assistance was on top of the emergency fund transfer provided by the government to the affected families in the region. — Argyll Cyrus Geducos
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
