MANILA, Philippines – Two months after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) damaged billions in crops and paralyzed sources of livelihood, the Philippines said it wants the United States to grant duty-free access to certain products from typhoon-hit areas.

“Similar to what the United States did following the Haiti earthquake, the Philippines is looking at possible trade preference for products from Haiyan-affected areas,” Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr said in a conference, according to a statement from the embassy on Friday, January 10.

Cuisia said the Philippines “is looking at arrangements that will allow duty-free access for a limited period of time for a limited number of products coming from the affected areas,” according to the embassy statement.

The ambassador spoke in a forum organized by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies on Wednesday, January 8, on the US’ role in helping Yolanda survivors.

Looking at the Haiti model, Cuisia referred to the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 (HOPE II).

The Office of the US Trade Representative said HOPE II allowed “duty-free access to the US market for certain Haitian-made apparel and other articles.” It aimed at “fostering stability and economic development in Haiti.”

Widespread damage

The Philippines needs to boost its own development after Yolanda damaged at least P18.354 billion in agriculture alone, based on government figures as of Friday.

The typhoon wrought this damage across Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, and Caraga.

The estimated breakdown of damage is as follows: 

• Crops – P7.634 billion

• Livestock – P2.89 billion

• Fisheries – P5.965 bilion

• Irrigation facilities – P212.7 million

• Other agricultural infrastructure – P1.652 billion

At the same time, Yolanda damaged at least P18.337 billion in infrastructure.

Total damage is estimated at P36.69 billion.

To rebuild affected areas, the Philippine government said it needs P360.9 billion in a span of 4 years. (READ: PH needs P361B for post-Yolanda rehab.)

P2.7 billion in aid

The US is one of the Philippines’ biggest donors in rehabilitation efforts.

Based on the Philippine government’s Foreign Aid Transparency Hub (FAITH), the US has pledged P2.727 billion in donations for Yolanda survivors.

These donations will cover relief goods, transportation and logistics, and medical needs.

“There is much work to be done, and in the spirit of the alliance and partnership we have shared, we continue to count on your invaluable assistance,” Cuisia said.

The Philippine government is also banking on the private sector.

On Tuesday, January 7, Rehabilitation Secretary Panfilo Lacson said big corporations have pledged to “adopt” areas hit by Yolanda. (READ: Giant firms ‘adopt’ Haiyan-hit areas.)

“We’re okay with the private sector participation so far,” Lacson said. – Rappler.com