The United States government has unveiled a package of targetted assistance, including a P4 million grant for coral restoration research, for the Tubbataha Reef which has been damaged by a US Navy minesweeper that got grounded on the protected site on Jan. 17. “In view of the damage caused by the USS Guardian accident at Tubbataha Reef, the United States has expressed its regrets and is prepared to provide appropriate compensation to the Republic of the Philippines. In addition to compensation, the US government is planning a number of other activities which will underscore its commitment to Tubbataha’s recovery and the protection of the marine resources of the Philippines,” the US embassy said in a statement yesterday.

Pañares, J. P., & Solmerin, F. (2013, February 4). US aid for reef rehab up. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.