TACLOBAN CITY-United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg led in the distribution of 36 sari-sari stores that were “reconstructed and restocked with inventory” in Baras, Palo, Leyte. The 36 sari-sari stores that were repaired and provided with items are part of the 1,000 stores located in areas hit by supertyphoon Yolanda that are to be rehabilitated by the US through its United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Coca Cola and Procter and Gamble
Goldberg also announced the establishment of the MIDAS Fund or Micro Enterprise Disaster Assistance Fund for Resiliency during the simple rites held last October 20. The P176 million ($4 million) credit facility is implemented in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress. According to USAID, the credit facility will enable eligible entrepreneurs from Yolanda-hit areas to borrow money to establish or expand their micro enterprise. Joining the turn -over were USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, Procter and Gamble Country Brand PR head Anna Legarda and Coca Cola Philippines vice president for public affairs and communications Adel Tamano.
Also present were Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla and Vice Governor Carlo Loreto. The American government through the USAID Rebuild Project maintained they will continue working to restore access to education and health services, livelihood activities and provide technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery for the Yolanda-stricken regions. (RONALD O. REYES)
