DFA: ‘Value of dev’t cooperation’ tackled amid U.S. foreign aid review 

The United States and the Philippines have discussed the significance of development cooperation as Washington continues its review of global foreign assistance, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Sunday.

“Both Secretaries discussed the value of our development cooperation work. We also recognize, however, that the new US administration is still in the process of completing the review of the work of various development agencies,” Daza said in a statement.

The matter was raised during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany on 14 February.

Returning US President Donald Trump previously ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance, pending a review of its efficiency and alignment with his administration’s foreign policy. In line with this directive, the US State Department has issued a “stop-work” order on all existing foreign aid and suspended new assistance worldwide.

Last year, the US allocated $500 million in foreign military financing (FMF) to the Philippines, reinforcing security ties and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez downplayed concerns over the temporary suspension, assuring that Manila-Washington relations remain strong.

“Our alliance will continue. Whatever we're doing, we will continue it, especially in the military aspect. So in my opinion, we don't need to have a problem with that because, as I said, it's mutually beneficial. It's not a one-way street. It's good for both our countries,” Romualdez said.

Meanwhile, Manalo stated that the Philippines has yet to formally determine which US-funded development projects in the country may be affected by the freeze.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that all military engagements with the US remain on track, including the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercise scheduled for April.