MANILA, Philippines – The United States government announced on Friday a new foreign assistance worth approximately PHP 13.8 billion (USD 250 million) will strengthen health systems, improve disease detection and response capabilities, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.
“The U.S. commitment to improve health outcomes in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region focuses on critical areas of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Global Health Security, Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition, and other areas important to both countries’ health security,” the statement added.
The funding supports key initiatives such as supply chain management, data and information systems, and laboratory strengthening as well.
According to the Embassy, the new funding raises the total of recently announced U.S. foreign assistance committed to the Philippines to more than PHP 17 billion (USD 313 million), following an earlier announcement of PHP 3 billion (USD63 million) in foreign assistance funding “to support Philippine energy sector resilience, combat illegal fishing in the South China Sea, and deepen private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor."
“This funding underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Filipino people and demonstrates our long-term partnership in addressing shared challenges,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, adding, “Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future.”
The U.S. Embassy Foreign Assistance Section will lead the implementation of these initiatives in priority areas.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ envoy to Washington expressed appreciation for the additional assistance, saying this is a “clear manifestation of the deep alliance we have with the United States.”
“This is another clear manifestation of the deep alliance we have with the United States especially after President Marcos’ official visit to the United States last July where he and President Trump established a strong personal working relationship,” Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
