MANILA, Philippines — The United States has pledged $1 million (P58.9 million) in humanitarian aid to the Philippines following a series of destructive typhoons that have struck the country.

The announcement was made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd James Austin III on Monday during a courtesy call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

Austin extended the US’ condolences to the victims of the six typhoons that have hit the country in recent weeks and reaffirmed the ‘commitment to supporting the Philippines. 

“As the Philippines’ longtime ally, we are here to assist,” Austin said.

 “I have authorized US troops and Philippine forces to provide life-saving aid. Additionally, we have secured another $1 million in urgent humanitarian aid to support the work of the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and the World Food Programme,” he said.

The US official is currently in Manila for the signing of an agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified military information between the US and the Philippines. Marcos described the new General Security and Military Information Agreement as a significant step in strengthening the interoperability of the two nations’ militaries.

The President also talked about the role of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in improving disaster response capabilities. EDCA allows for the prepositioning of relief goods, personnel, and equipment at strategic locations for quicker deployment during emergencies.

The EDCA since its establishment in 2014 allows US forces to build facilities and preposition supplies at nine strategically located bases across the Philippines. This allows joint military training and disaster response efforts. 

The sites include bases in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan de Oro, Palawan, Cebu, and Isabela.

“It has proven invaluable during these uncertain times,” Marcos said.