format(webp))
Trump's aid freeze suspends at least P4B of Philippines programs
The US foreign aid freeze ordered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio has put 39 development projects in the Philippines on hold, affecting initiatives such as forest protection and Bangsamoro education programs. The freeze applies to USAID and State Department-funded projects, which had already committed $69.7 million (PHP 4.06 billion) in 2024. Among the most affected sectors are environmental programs, which received $19.5 million, followed by education projects ($13 million), health programs ($6.7 million for HIV/AIDS), and government and civil society projects ($6.5 million). The suspension jeopardizes projects set to continue until 2029.
MANILA, Philippines – At least 39 development projects in the Philippines are now in limbo following US President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid, disrupting initiatives ranging from nationwide forest protection to Bangsamoro education programs planned through 2029.
On January 24, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a suspension and review of all US foreign aid programs worldwide, with exceptions only for Israel and Egypt.
The freeze affects USAID and State Department-funded projects in the Philippines, including 14 initiatives scheduled to end in 2024 and 25 more running until 2026 to 2029. In 2024 alone, the US had already committed $69.7 million (PHP 4.06 billion) to these programs.
According to fiscal year 2024 data, the most impacted sector is environmental protection, which was allocated $19.5 million across seven projects. Basic education follows with $13 million spread across four projects, while health programs—notably an HIV/AIDS project—received $6.7 million. Additionally, government and civil society programs were granted $6.5 million for eight projects.
The suspension puts long-term development efforts at risk, affecting key areas of education, health, environmental conservation, and governance.
What's Your Reaction?
