Ongoing United States assistance in Mindanao to the tune of $50 million belies claims of a rift between Manila and Washington brought about by the country’s recent withdrawal of its humanitarian troops in Iraq.

This surfaced as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presided over a "pulong bayan" this morning before a Muslim community in Barangay Sultan Esmael, Dasmarinas, Cavite.

"More is forthcoming," she assured the gallery at the packed barangay hall where she discussed among others, government plans for the economic development of Mindanao under her 10-point agenda of reforms.

"Tingnan mo, $50 million, iyan ba iyong nag-aaway (Look, its $50 million, is that what you call a rift)?" she asked.

The President was obviously reacting to criticisms that her pullout order of the RP contingent in Iraq may have jeopardized US aid to the country, particularly in Mindanao.

"Marami silang ginagawang tulong sa atin,pati na rin sa kapayapaan ng Mindanao. Kaya yung sinasabing nag-aaway tayo ng Amerika hindi totoo yon (They have been helping us a lot, more so with achieving peace in Mindanao. That’s why it’s not true that we have a quarrel)," the President said.

The Chief Executive cited the ongoing road projects built through US assistance that are part of government plans to make economic development go hand in hand with the peace efforts with the rebels.

Last year, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) pledged $70 million in grants for development assistance activities in the country in line with President Macapagal-Arroyo’s commitment to accelerate peace and prosperity particularly in Mindanao.

This included support for expanding development programs for peace in Mindanao, improved governance of economic processes, delivery of family planning and health services, and stronger environmental management.

The agency noted that the Philippines had been doing a great job in undertaking the USAID programs in the past.