By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) thanked the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their generous donation of 80 tons of various goods intended for families affected by the recent onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the ‘Habagat.’
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian received the donations during a simple turn over ceremony on Tuesday (30 July 2024) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
“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 [floods]. As always UAE is the fastest, the first and gives the most,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian posted on his X account.
The donated goods include pasta, wheat flour, basmati rice, red lentils, dates, chickpeas, powdered juice, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and sweet corn, which were packaged in cans and packets.
The DSWD chief also noted that the government and people of the UAE have been consistent in helping the Filipino people, especially during disasters and calamities.
“Kung matatandaan nyo, last year sa Mayon, isang 777 [aircraft] naman ang dumating na punong-puno rin ng relief goods. So this time naman, isang 747 [aircraft], mas marami dahil alam natin na mas malawak ang naging pinsala last week ng baha. 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,” Gatchalian told reporters in an ambush interview.
(el Amigo/mnm)
