The Philippines remains hopeful that the funding from the United States will proceed despite the foreign aid freeze ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, an official said on Wednesday.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated that the Philippines receives a significant amount of aid from the U.S.; however, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will have to wait for final instructions from Trump.
“Hintay muna tayo… Hindi po natin alam. Medyo malaki po ang aid na binibigay sa atin, not just the U.S. but other development partners natin. So, let’s see kung kaya,” she said.
Trump had ordered a “stop-work” order for all foreign assistance.
The USAID headquarters in Washington was shut down on February 4, after billionaire Elon Musk stated that Trump had agreed to close the agency—whose programs cover billions of dollars in aid worldwide.
Pangandaman highlighted several programs, including one for maternal health and nutrition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“We’re just hopeful that after the review, they will still provide funding for projects as such,” she said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to comment on the suspension of aid, noting that clarifications are still needed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that both Manila and Washington are discussing the possibility of a meeting between the two presidents.
