The Philippines has received 199.48 billion pesos (about 4.44 billion U.S. dollars) from international sources for the rehabilitation of areas struck by typhoon Haiyan ( local name Yolanda) a year ago, a senior government official said Tuesday. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the amount came in the form of loans, financial grants and donations.

The most ambitious attempt yet to reduce soil erosion, increase food security and adapt to climate change is expected to vastly increase the amount of food grown in one of the most drought- and famine-prone areas of the world.