MANILA — The Philippines has begun receiving offers of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance from several countries following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan, Malacañang said.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said allies such as the United States, Japan, and India have already expressed their intent to provide aid. Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore and Timor-Leste, have also reached out to coordinate support.

“Nagpadala na din po sila ng sulat sa AFP at National Defense. They have already reached out to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense to coordinate assistance,” Castro said during a press briefing at Malacañang.

The offers come as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered round-the-clock relief and rehabilitation operations for areas hit by Uwan, which displaced hundreds of thousands of residents across Luzon.

Castro emphasized that existing coordination channels with foreign partners, including defense and humanitarian agreements, ensure faster deployment of aid.

She also highlighted the role of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, which have served as logistical hubs for relief goods, medical missions, and repacking operations.

“Ang EDCA sites ay malaking tulong po kapag may mga sakuna. Ito ay nagsisilbing hubs para sa mas mabibilis na pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan. EDCA sites are crucial in times of disasters. They serve as storage hubs of goods and equipment to aid our countrymen,” she said.

Typhoon Uwan made landfall in Aurora on Sunday night, battering the Bicol region and Central Luzon with destructive winds and floods, leaving widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture. (PNA)