The United States government will provide an additional P234 million in humanitarian assistance to bolster relief and recovery efforts for individuals affected by the Marawi conflict.
The US Embassy in Manila said the new contribution to the Marawi humanitarian response brings the US’s total commitment to Marawi recovery to more than P3.4 billion or $63.6 million.
The additional funding from the US Agency for International Development will help approximately 50,000 internally displaced persons in Marawi and 9,000 in Maguindanao.
“The US government remains committed to supporting the Philippine government in helping restore normalcy in the lives of the Filipinos affected by the Marawi conflict,” US Ambassador Sung Kim said, in a statement.
“This new assistance reflects the strong bond between the US and the Philippines as friends, partners, and allies,” he added.
The new US government resources will provide 2,600 individuals with emergency shelter assistance, in addition to the nearly 33,000 individuals who have previously benefitted, the statement said.
USAID will deepen its existing efforts within Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province to expand water and sanitation services and enhance safe spaces to protect women and children from exploitation and violence.
“The new funds will augment ongoing US government support to the Philippine government in providing life-saving aid and improving economic and social conditions for vulnerable populations,” the embassy statement said.
Since the early stages of the conflict, the U.S. government has worked to improve conditions in evacuation centers and host communities while providing essential maternal, newborn, and child health supplies, as well as related training for affected populations.
In recent months, the U.S. government has provided livelihood support to nearly 7,500 displaced households, daily water delivery to more than 6,000 internally displaced persons, and hygiene kits and education for more than 30,000 people.
To advance lasting peace in Mindanao, US government programs are helping young people enhance their job skills and attain livelihoods, promoting positive engagement among communities, and enhancing participation in local governance.