(Photo courtesy of DSWD)
MANILA, Philippines — As the heightened unrest of Mayon Volcano continues, 50 metric tons of various food items donated by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the province of Albay arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Monday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.
According to the agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and DSWD Usec. Dianne Cajipe received the donated food and medicine at NAIA Terminal 2.
“We thank the UAE government and the Royal family for their generosity in sending the much-needed humanitarian aid for those affected by Mayon’s volcanic activities,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
Gatchalian said UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi requested to send relief goods, after which the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, immediately ordered the shipment of 50 tons of humanitarian aid to the country within 24 hours.
“The UAE’s humanitarian aid is to support the Philippine government’s efforts in disaster preparedness and response. The humanitarian flight contains up to 50 tons of food and medicine,” the DSWD chief said.
“Ang role ng DSWD, in 24 hours naman ay maipadala sa Mayon ang mga goods na ito. Sa Miyerkules ng umaga nasa kamay na ito ng mga kababayan natin na biktima ng Mayon,” he added.
(The role of the DSWD is to send these goods to Mayon within 24 hours. On Wednesday morning, victims of Mayon will receive them.)
Aside from the UAE government’s donation, another 38,000 family food packs were turned over to DSWD Bicol regional office last June 11. Gatchalian said these food packs would be suitable for 15 days.
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