The recent flooding and landslide incidents in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro have left a significant impact on communities, displacing thousands of families from their homes. In response to this crisis, the United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAid), has stepped forward to provide essential support to those affected.
Extending Aid to Affected Families
A total of 3,500 families have been identified as recipients of cash assistance from USAid. Among them, approximately 2,000 families hail from the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and New Corella in Davao del Norte, while the remaining 1,500 families are from Davao de Oro, particularly those affected by the landslide in Barangay Masara, Maco.
USAid officials, led by Ben Hemingway from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, alongside program implementers from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Action Against Hunger (AAH), visited key stakeholders and partner communities in the affected provinces. This visit aimed to assess the situation on the ground and explore potential response strategies.
Humanitarian Aid Allocation
The US government has allocated $1.25 million (approximately P70 million) in humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs arising from the flooding and landslides in Mindanao. This funding support enables immediate assistance, including provisions for food, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items, crucial for the well-being of disaster-affected communities.
Ben Hemingway emphasized that the additional funding provided to humanitarian partners aims to ensure that affected families have access to fundamental necessities. Moreover, the program is designed to facilitate the recovery process, enabling families to return to their homes and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Partnering for Relief Efforts
CRS Philippines, represented by country representative Jonas Tetangco, highlighted the collaboration between CRS and AAH in response to the crisis. With funding support from USAid, totaling approximately P70 million, these organizations are working together to support affected families in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
Tetangco further elaborated that around 2,000 families in Davao del Norte will receive P10,000 cash assistance each. This financial aid provides families with the flexibility to address their immediate needs, whether it be purchasing food, sanitation supplies, or other essentials, aiding in their recovery journey
