(Manila, 4th) A senior official from the US State Department said Thursday that under the Trump administration's framework, the Philippines will continue to receive US support in health security, especially assistance for the prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Foote confirmed at a roundtable with reporters in Manila that health issues remain one of Washington’s priorities for restructured foreign aid to the Philippines.
"We expect to continue focusing on the health sector, and the United States will be the Philippines' most reliable and proactive partner in this field," Foote stated.
He revealed that the US Embassy’s foreign aid office will lead the formulation and promotion of related programs, covering disaster preparedness, health security, and disease prevention and control, including HIV and tuberculosis.
This assurance comes after President Trump previously ordered a suspension of certain foreign aid, including the distribution of medication for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.
In July this year, Secretary of State Rubio announced at least 3 billion pesos (about 60 million US dollars) in foreign aid to the Philippines, to support energy, maritime, and economic development, especially for the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor. This made the Philippines the first beneficiary under the new foreign aid policy, though there was no explicit mention of health assistance.
Foote clarified: "That is not the case. The Philippines is indeed the first country to receive new foreign aid funds, which sets a benchmark. Going forward, the Philippines will remain our closest partner in this field."
He emphasized that this initial batch of aid would not be "the last aid funds." The US has incorporated USAID into the State Department to more closely align foreign aid with US diplomatic and national security goals.
"As a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines is at the forefront of this foreign aid reorganization," Foote concluded.
"We expect to continue focusing on the health sector, and the United States will be the Philippines' most reliable and proactive partner in this field," Foote stated.
He revealed that the US Embassy’s foreign aid office will lead the formulation and promotion of related programs, covering disaster preparedness, health security, and disease prevention and control, including HIV and tuberculosis.
This assurance comes after President Trump previously ordered a suspension of certain foreign aid, including the distribution of medication for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.
In July this year, Secretary of State Rubio announced at least 3 billion pesos (about 60 million US dollars) in foreign aid to the Philippines, to support energy, maritime, and economic development, especially for the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor. This made the Philippines the first beneficiary under the new foreign aid policy, though there was no explicit mention of health assistance.
Foote clarified: "That is not the case. The Philippines is indeed the first country to receive new foreign aid funds, which sets a benchmark. Going forward, the Philippines will remain our closest partner in this field."
He emphasized that this initial batch of aid would not be "the last aid funds." The US has incorporated USAID into the State Department to more closely align foreign aid with US diplomatic and national security goals.
"As a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines is at the forefront of this foreign aid reorganization," Foote concluded.