Philippine Foreign Affairs Optimistic About Ongoing Development Partnership with the U.S.

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remains hopeful about the sustained development collaboration between the Philippines and the United States, as stated on Wednesday. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo refrained from commenting on the internal U.S. government discussions regarding the review of various agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Manalo emphasized the importance of the development work with the U.S., particularly in sectors such as education, global health, and disaster management, which have significantly benefited many Filipinos and their communities. He expressed eagerness to continue this partnership to meet shared development goals. This statement comes amidst rumors that President Trump might be considering the dissolution of USAID. On January 20, Trump enacted a 90-day halt on foreign aid to reassess its alignment with his foreign policy. The U.S., the largest provider of international aid, committed approximately USD68 billion in 2023 to 204 countries. In the same year, the U.S. provided around USD147.7 million in Official Development Assistance to the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced plans to meet with Trump to discuss new U.S. policies on foreign aid, trade, defense, security, and immigration, though no specific date has been set for this meeting.