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Philippines

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Rice Terraces in the Philippines Photograph - Philippines Posters|

Impact of Typhoon Haiyan in Philippines has reignited a long-running argument in United States, world’s largest food aid donor, over how US supplies food in its $1.4 billion international food aid program; Obama administration and some lawmakers say disaster underscores need for flexibility to buy less expensive food closer to areas where such disasters occur.|

Republic of the Philippines Manila() Republic 91.077 million 117,187 sq. mi. Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan Total Population: 93% Male: 93%; Female: 93% $5,000 1898 (Spain); 1946 (U.S.)|

China has been moving sand onto reefs and shoals to add several new islands to Spratly archipelago, part of effort to expand Chinese footprint in South China Sea; island-building has alarmed Vietnam, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations that also claim sovereignty over archipelago.|

Pentagon says it is phasing out Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, elite American counterterrorism unit that has been operating in Philippines since just after September 11, 2001, attacks; unit was formed to help train and advise Philippines in fight against Al Qaeda-linked groups; American Special Forces will continue to help Philippines on smaller scale.|

Landowners in Philippines are thwarting rebuilding efforts of area squatters in aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan; land disputes at settlements and shantytowns up and down coast are among many reasons recovery effort in nation is faltering.|

Sec of State John Kerry says United States will give Philippines $40 million in maritime security assistance and is negotiating with Manila to rotate more American military forces through country; moves are latest signs of Obama administration’s concerns about mounting pressure from China on its neighbors.|

Sec of State John Kerry says United States will give Philippines $40 million in maritime security assistance and is negotiating with Manila to rotate more American military forces through country; moves are latest signs of Obama administration’s concerns about mounting pressure from China on its neighbors.|

Crumbling infrastructure in Philippines is serious drain on economy and obstacle to nation's growth; 2.2 million vehicles daily on Manila's overcrowded road system costs more than $20 billion a year in lost productivity and wasted energy; Philippine economy is one of Asia's fastest growing, upwards of $250 billion.|

President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Philippines criticized China for moving ships capable of reclaiming land around the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.|

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