Around P7.6 million ($130,00) worth of disaster relief supplies were donated by the United States government to Cagayan to support the local humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness in the province.

US Embassy (Manila) Civil Affairs Team (CAT) Leader Capt. Stephen Coleman said the relief supplies were donated to enhance the Cagayan provincial government’s shelter, medical and logistical capacity during crises.

The supplies which included disaster relief tents and medical supplies, dive equipment, and two rubber boats with outboard motors were turned over to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and to hospitals in the province.

Coleman and Mabel VillaricaMamba, representing her husband Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba, led the turnover of the disaster relief supplies which were brought to Cagayan through the assistance of the PCG members.

Villarica-Mamba said there are 28 municipalities and one city in Cagayan province including an island municipality and several island villages that will benefit from these US-donated supplies.

“The donations that were turned over on September 28 will surely enhance the services of our PDRRMO, Task Force Lingkod Cagayan, hospitals, and other agencies,” she said.

During the turnover, Coleman said the US Embassy CAT has a longstanding collaboration with the Cagayan provincial government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the PCG on several initiatives.

These initiatives include educational outreach activities, first responder training, medical programs, and support for the local Covid-19 response, he said.

Coleman said the US Embassy CAT is honored to have yet another opportunity to work among friends, partners and allies in the province of Cagayan, and that they have been able to accomplish much in the areas of humanitarian aid, disaster preparedness and medical response.

“I am confident that we can address whatever obstacles we may face here together. Whether these new problems come in the form of natural disasters, global pandemics, or foreign incursions, those of us standing together today, as friends, partners, and allies, will be able to overcome any challenge, defeat any threat, and remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity,” he added.

With CATs as a part of US efforts to build shared capabilities with partner nations around the world, the US Embassy said the US is constantly working to help communities in the Philippines prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters.