2 Tacloban projects hit by halt in US gov’t aid
TACLOBAN CITY—The 90-day freeze order on all United States-funded programs imposed by President Donald Trump has disrupted two projects in this city.
According to Janis Canta, city planning and development officer, Tacloban is a beneficiary of two programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): the Urban Connect and the Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (Change).
Urban Connect focuses on urban development and management while Change aims to strengthen democratic governance by making local governments more responsive, transparent and accountable with the participation of civil society groups. Both programs, which began in 2023, are set to run for five years or until 2028.
Under Urban Connect, USAID has assisted Tacloban in crafting its land use plan, tourism development plan, business one-stop shop digitalization and gender and development initiatives. Change, on the other hand, provided capacity-building training and helped establish a local people’s council.
Disappointed
Canta said the suspension of these programs would impact the city’s development and governance thrusts.
“Of course, we are saddened and disappointed by this 90-day freeze order because these programs have had a significant impact on Tacloban,” she said.
City officials, led by Mayor Alfred Romualdez, are waiting for the results of the review of all USAID-funded programs to determine which align with the policies of the Trump administration.
Canta described their situation, in relation to these projects, as “hanging.” “We will just have to wait until the 90-day period is over and see which programs will continue under the new policy direction,” she added.
The city government, she said, has yet to receive official communication from the US Embassy on the status of these programs.
