The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent 80 tons of assorted goods as donations to families affected by Super Typhoon Carina and Habagat (monsoon) rains. In a turnover ceremony, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received the donations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Together with other officials, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his thanks to the UAE, which was represented by Ambassador H.E. Mohammed Obaid Alqattam Alzaabi.
DSWD Thanks UAE for Donations to Typhoon-hit Families
“Thank you Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the People of the United Arab Emirates for the generous donation to the victims of our recent floodings. As always UAE is the fastest, the first, and gives the most,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian posted on X, as cited in a DSWD press release.
Sec. Gatchalian also stated that during times of disasters and calamities, the government and people of the UAE have been helping the Filipino people consistently.
“Kung matatandaan nyo, last year sa Mayon, isang 777 naman ang dumating na punong-puno rin ng relief goods (If you can remember, last year after the Mayon Volcano eruption, a 777 plane arrived, also filled with relief goods), Sec. Gatchalian said in an interview. “So this time naman, isang 747, mas marami dahil alam natin na mas malawak ang naging pinsala last week ng baha (So this time, it’s a 747 plane containing more goods because we know that the damage was more extensive last week because of the flood).”
“At tumulong din sila sa malakihang landslide sa Davao de Oro so talagang natutuwa kami na ang ating kaibigan, ang United Arab Emirates ay patuloy na sumusubaybay at yumayabong ang ating partnership lalong lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon (They also helped with the massive landslide in Davao de Oro, so we are really glad that our friend, the United Arab Emirates, continues to monitor the situation here and that our partnership continues to flourish especially during these difficult times),” he added.
The donated goods from the UAE include basmati rice, pasta, wheat flour, chickpeas, red lentils, dates, sweet corn, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and powdered juice. The products were packed in cans and packets.
Donations Sent to Typhoon-Affected Areas
From the donations sent by the UAE, a total of 832 boxes have been sent to Marikina City, whereas 384 boxes were sent to Navotas City. Meanwhile, 416 boxes each have been sent to the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, and Pampanga for distribution.
On Wednesday, July 31, DSWD personnel, together with UAE officials, distributed relief goods in Marikina City. The UAE officials present included UAE First Secretary Obaid Alshehhi, Ms. Sarah Hassan, and Mr. Hesham Ahmed.
On the same day, relief goods were sent to Navotas City and Central Luzon. The local government unit (LGU) of Navotas City, represented by Mayor John Rey Tiangco, received the goods. Likewise, DSWD Field Office – 3 Regional Director Venus Rebuldela also received boxes of relief goods, which will be distributed to disaster-affected families in Bataan, Bulacan, and Pampanga.
Final Thoughts
In times of calamity, it is truly inspiring to see nations helping one another. The goods sent by the government and people of the UAE are a big help to Filipinos affected by the typhoon and Habagat.
Today, the DSWD continues to provide assistance to families all over the country. In fact, the agency continues to accept volunteers (for repacking goods) at the National Resource Operation Center (NROC) in Pasay City. Check out this article for more details.