By Tara Yap

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently assured their continued work with the Philippines, despite accusations surrounding human rights violations connected with the ongoing war on illegal drugs.
“We work with the Philippine government and the communities and universities based on their needs,” said USAID acting assistant administrator for Asia, Gloria Steele. “We do not condition our assistance.”
“There is nothing political about it,” she added.
Steele previously served as USAID mission director in the Philippines.
According to Steele, USAID has not terminated any of its programs since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office last year, and said USAID will continue its partnerships with both national government agencies and local governments in addressing maternal and child health, education, disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, challenges in trade, and human trafficking./WDJ