Dutch gov’t raises over P1B for Yolanda relief

The government of Kingdom of Netherlands was able to raise a total of 25 million euros (P1.5 billion) from its citizens and the non-government organizations for humanitarian assistance for the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

The amount raised is in addition to the 6 million euros (P350 million) that the Dutch government is giving as aid through the United Nations.

“This is a great result. The Dutch people have shown their solidarity. Individual citizens, spontaneously formed groups, companies, sport associations, school classes and churches have contributed,” said Lilianne Ploumen, minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, in a press statement.

According to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Manila, the Dutch people responded to a Nov. 18 national call to action for a public fundraising.

“From early morning until midnight all Dutch broadcasting companies have cooperated to inform the public about the catastrophe that was caused by typhoon Yolanda and to call for funds,” the embassy said.

The fundraising campaign called “Giro 555” was spearheaded by Netherland’s Cooperating Aid Agencies (SHO).

The Dutch government also donated various relief items for the typhoon victims in Leyte, such as plastic canvass, water purifiers, solar lamps and medical kits. The Netherlands DC-10 aircraft carrying the relief goods arrived at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base (MBEAB) last Nov. 16.

A second Dutch military plane made the second delivery last Saturday at the MBEAB. The relief items included communication sets, uninterrupted power supply units, life jackets, medicines, household kits, and solar lights.

“We have friendly relations with the Philippine government and in line with our emergency foreign policy we provide in what way we can,” said Caecilia Wijgers of the Netherlands Embassy in Manila.