Philippine-U.S. cooperation supports humanitarian relief amid destructive typhoon season
FORUM Staff
The Philippines-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which enables the countries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises and achieve modernization goals, helped Manila prepare for and respond to a series of typhoons in late 2024.
As U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced an additional $1 million in relief aid for the Philippines in November, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the importance of EDCA for disaster response.
The agreement bolsters security cooperation by allowing the rotational presence of U.S. troops in agreed locations across the Philippines. The sites also are used for humanitarian operations during emergencies.
VIDEO CREDIT: SGT. SHAINA JUPITER/U.S. MARINE CORPS
The Philippine government stockpiled supplies and equipment in the areas before typhoons struck the archipelago. The locations also provided operational bases for rescue missions. In November, Super Typhoon Man-yi, called Pepito in the Philippines, became the seventh tropical cyclone in two months to strike the country. Torrential rain and fierce wind damaged 8,000 homes, displaced about 700,000 people and set off landslides that killed at least 12.
“EDCA sites have become the staging area because right after the storm, many areas can only be reached by helicopter. And many roads closed because of landslides,” Marcos stated. “And therefore, even the main capital of provinces can only be reached by aircraft.
“So we have used to a great extent the EDCA sites. I just like to remind everyone on the wisdom behind that and how it has become so extremely useful in the face of these effects of climate change.”
The Philippines has nine such sites after adding four in 2023. The U.S. has pledged $128 million for infrastructure projects and outlined plans for building and improving airstrips, among other modernization efforts.
The $1 million for communities affected by Super Typhoon Man-yi followed more than $7 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2024. The funding has provided emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene assistance and other relief for millions affected by flooding, displacement and property damage during the storms, according to USAID.
Austin also authorized U.S. troops to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with life-saving aid to the Filipino people.
In September, the AFP and the U.S. Marine Corps combined for a humanitarian aid and disaster relief mission after Super Typhoon Krathon, named Julian in the Philippines, killed five people and caused widespread damage.
At Manila’s request, U.S. Marines worked with the AFP to deliver personnel and supplies such as food, tarps and shelter kits. More than 45,000 kilograms of supplies and family food aid packs were transported from Manila via Laoag International Airport to affected areas near Basco. The efforts “solidified a joint commitment of protecting the people of the Philippines from natural disasters across the country,” the U.S. Marine Corps stated.
U.S. experts in the Philippines continue coordinating with government and humanitarian partners to meet the needs of storm-affected communities across the country, according to USAID.
“The United States stands with the people of the Philippines and remains committed to helping vulnerable communities prepare for and build resilience to natural disasters,” the agency said.
