UAE and US Provide Humanitarian Aid to Philippines in Wake of Super Typhoon Carina
MANILA — The United Arab Emirates and the United States have delivered substantial humanitarian aid to the Philippines following the devastating impacts of super typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. The aid includes essential supplies and financial assistance to support the recovery of the affected communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the UAE’s contribution was formally handed over at a ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on July 30. The donation consists of 2,464 packs of essential food items such as milk powder, wheat flour, and cooking oil, alongside 4,928 packs of pasta and other staples. Yu-Pimentel highlighted the gesture as reflective of the strong bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines, particularly under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The United States, meanwhile, announced a donation of PHP55 million (USD1 million) during a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Manila on the same day. This aid, managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger, will provide food aid, hygiene kits, emergency shelter kits, and clean water to communities in various regions including Bulacan and the National Capital Region. Betty Chung, USAID Acting Mission Director, emphasized the commitment to aiding the Philippine government and its people in the recovery process.
The assistance from both nations comes in response to Typhoon Carina, which caused significant flooding and landslides across the Philippines, resulting in at least 14 deaths and displacing over 700,000 individuals. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been actively coordinating relief efforts, and the USAID has been involved in logistical support since July 16, enhancing the country’s disaster resilience capabilities.
In a related development, the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) facilitated the quick release of the UAE’s donations, with District Collector Yasmin Mapa affirming their commitment to efficient service during crises. Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development expressed gratitude towards the UAE for their continued support during natural disasters.