The Philippines will not be significantly affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on all foreign aid, according to NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon.
She said the government can seek assistance from other development partners, noting that the country no longer relies on USAID for infrastructure like school buildings.
“Iba na rin ang situation natin noon sa ngayon. Dati kasi we even depend on USAID sa school buildings natin,” Edillon said in a Palace presser on Monday, Feb. 10.
“Ngayon hindi na tayo sa ganoon situation. So, it’s really more of the technical assistance apart, which pwede naman tayo mag-source from other development partners,” she added.
The U.S. government has ordered a 90-day review of USAID funding.
Edillon said the Philippines must wait for the review’s outcome, but ongoing technical assistance projects continue.
“We also have a good relationship with the USAID staff. Marami naman sa kanila ang nagbibigay ng inputs, out of their goodwill naman,” she also said.
The U.S. State Department issued a “stop-work” order on January 24, following Trump’s directive to reassess foreign aid based on his administration’s policies.IMT
