And now the
Americans are following Australia’s gesture.
A month
after Australia made public that they are pledging P798.5 million for the rehabilitation
of Marawi City, The United States of America has also pledged support for the
quick recovery and rehabilitation of the City. The US a longtime ally of the
country has committed P730 million, or over $14 million through the US Agency
for International Development (USAID).
Philstar
columnist and newly appointed Philippine ambassador to the United States of
America Mr. Babe Romualdez in his Philippine Star (9/7/17) column lays down
America’s pledge to help the country in the rebuilding efforts in Marawi City
that was brought about by the ISIS inspired Maute group.
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| United States of America Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim (photo credit to owner) |
The article
is quoted below:
Three months after fighting
broke out in Marawi City following the attack by an extremist terrorist group,
government troops seem to be finally gaining the upper hand with the takeover
of a strategic bridge and the battle contained within a 500-square meter area.
Focus is now on recovery and rehabilitation, with displaced residents (78,466
families, according to estimates by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development) taking small steps to return to their “normal lives” as seen, for
instance, in the reopening of 12 public elementary schools the other day. A
contingent of over 100 all-female police and military personnel is also being
deployed to help in the rehabilitation of the capital of Lanao del Sur.
The rehabilitation of
Marawi will definitely require massive effort and funding, with Defense
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana estimating at least P50 billion will be needed to
“cover everything” from roads to bridges, as well as public and private
structures. According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic
and Development Authority chief Ernie Pernia, the Asian Development Bank and
the World Bank will be “lead coordinators” for foreign donors who will help in
the rehabilitation efforts.
Foreign governments have
also pledged their support, among them the country’s longtime ally the United
States, which has committed P730 million, or over $14 million through the US
Agency for International Development (USAID) in emergency relief and recovery
assistance for the affected communities.
*
Reiterating his country’s
continued support for the Philippine government’s efforts to deal with the
crisis in Marawi City, US Ambassador Sung Kim said, “The United States is
deeply committed to this relationship and remains ready to support our friend
and ally as we face the challenges and opportunities,” adding that everyone is
looking forward to the end of the crisis and the end of the fighting and
suffering.
The US will coordinate with
the government and humanitarian organizations in delivering critical relief
supplies for the displaced residents such as safe drinking water, hygiene kits,
shelter materials and even kitchen sets to help improve conditions in
evacuation centers and other temporary housing. Earlier in July, the US
distributed 12,000 water containers and 100,000 chlorine tablets for the 12,000
families staying in evacuation sites located in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur
and Iligan City.
As usual in cramped
quarters, all kinds of diseases could quickly spread, with babies and young
children among the most vulnerable, which is why the USAID is also providing 18
facilities that would help address health issues such as tuberculosis, as well
as maternal, newborn and child health needs. Aside from helping restore basic
public services such as healthcare, water and electricity, the US is focused on
long-term rehabilitation and recovery efforts by providing psychosocial
counseling and offering skills training for young people, promoting community
dialogue and jumpstarting livelihoods. *
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