MANILA—The United States unveiled P14.2 billion ($250 million) in fresh foreign assistance to the Philippines on Friday, Sept. 12, to address urgent health challenges, including tuberculosis and maternal health services, while boosting preparedness for emerging diseases.
“This programming builds on the $63 million in assistance announced during President Marcos’s July official visit to Washington, which was the first announcement of new assistance for any country following President Trump’s review and realignment of foreign assistance,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
The new package brings recent US commitments to the Philippines to over P17 billion ($313 million), following an earlier pledge of P3.5 billion ($63 million) to support energy resilience, combat illegal fishing in the South China Sea, and promote private sector growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor.
“Today’s announcement is yet another demonstration of the comprehensive bond between the United States and the Philippines,” Rubio said. “It also demonstrates the efficient, time-limited, and narrowly targeted approach of this new era of America First foreign assistance.”
US Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson said the 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.”
“Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future,” Carlson added.
The U.S. Embassy’s Foreign Assistance Section will oversee implementation, focusing on tuberculosis prevention, global health security, maternal and child health, nutrition, and key systems such as supply chain management, information networks, and laboratory capacity
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez welcomed the announcement, calling it “another clear manifestation of the deep alliance we have with the United States, especially after President Marcos’ official visit to Washington last July where he and President Trump established a strong personal working relationship.”
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