Manila, December 6, 2012 -- In the wake of the tragic death and destruction caused by Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), the United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing US$100,000 to Catholic Relief Services to support disaster relief efforts in affected areas of the Philippines.
 
On December 5, U.S. Embassy Manila Chargé d’ Affaires Brian L. Goldbeck, after consulting with the Government of the Philippines, offered to provide immediate relief assistance following reports of widespread destruction due to the storm in various areas of the Philippines. Teams from USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) and USAID/Philippines will conduct humanitarian assessments in typhoon-affected areas, including Davao and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, Negros Oriental Province in the Visayas, and Palawan Province in Luzon in the coming days to determine where this assistance is most needed.
 
U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires Goldbeck, said, “On behalf of the United States government, we extend our deepest condolences for the devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Pablo in the southern Philippines. We applaud the efforts of local communities, local authorities and the NDRRMC to evacuate citizens, prepare for the storm, and minimize loss of life before and during the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.”
 
The United States has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during natural calamities. The U.S. Government is helping the Philippines cope with the effects of calamities by improving mechanisms to effectively adapt and respond to natural disasters. With this initial US$100,000, USAID will have provided approximately US$11.7 million in disaster response assistance over the past five years. This includes responses to Tropical Storm Ketsana (Ondoy) in 2009, Typhoon Megi (Juan) in 2010, and Tropical Storm Washi (Sendong) in 2011. Beyond donations for immediate disaster relief, the U.S. Government also supports efforts by local governments and communities to prevent and reduce the impact of typhoons and other natural disasters. In 2012, USAID/OFDA provided over US$4.1 million for disaster risk reduction activities in the Philippines.
 
###
 
FACT SHEET: Dec. 13, 2012
U.S. Government Assistance to the Philippines for Typhoon Pablo Relief
 
PHOTO ALBUMS

• U.S. Government Planes Carrying Relief Goods Arrive in Davao City
• USAID Non-Food Relief Operations to Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental

 
###
About USAID: The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 50 years. In the Philippines, USAID works in partnership with the national government in creating a more stable, prosperous and well-governed country through programs that promote broad-based and inclusive economic growth, increase peace and stability in Mindanao, and reduce risks from natural disasters. For more information about USAID’s programs in the Philippines, please visit http://philippines.usaid.gov or contact USAID/Philippines Development Outreach and Communications Unit at 552-9800 ext. 9811, fax 552-9899 or email infoph@usaid.gov.