MANILA, Philippines — The US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has raised its humanitarian assistance to victims of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) to $20.2 million or over P1.01 billion. It initially pledged $200,000 (about P10 million), then added $1 million (P50 million), before committing another $19 million (P950 million). “We stand steadfast with our longstanding friend, partner and ally in helping support communities devastated by the typhoon. FEATURED STORIESAccording to the US Embassy, Variava also plans to visit affected communities and see ongoing US relief activities. “Since 2010, USAID has provided more than P17 billion ($340 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid, and boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines,” the embassy said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 30, 2021 08:55 UTC