DFA bullish on continued PH-US dev't cooperation
Philippine News Agency
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
February 5, 2025, 1:21 pm
MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday expressed optimism about the continued development cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US).
This, as DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo declined to comment on the US government's internal discussions on its ongoing review of the work of various agencies, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
"We value our development cooperation work with the United States, especially in critical areas like education, global health, and disaster risk reduction or response. The projects have positively impacted the lives of many Filipinos and their communities," Manalo said.
"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the US Government to achieve mutually shared development objectives," he added.
Manalo issued the statement amid reports that Trump is eyeing the dismantling of the USAID.
On Jan. 20, US President Donald Trump implemented a 90-day suspension of foreign assistance, pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.
The US is the world's biggest provider of international aid, with some USD68 billion obligated in 2023 for 204 countries, according to the official data from the US government.
The US is one of the Philippines' top donors of the Official Development Assistance, contributing around USD147.7 million in 2023.
On Jan. 30, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he would be meeting with Trump to discuss the US' new policies on foreign assistance, trade, defense and security, and immigration.
Marcos' meeting with Trump has no final date yet. (PNA)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
