BALI, Indonesia —The Philippines has donated US$300,000 worth humanitarian assistance to Palu, Indonesia after it was hit by a deadly earthquake and tsunami two weeks ago.
Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Wee confirmed to Malacañang reporters here that the C130 carrying the assistance has reached Palu Wednesday morning.
“We are also placed to give 300,000 dollar for humanitarian assistance and part of what we are donating are generators, waters, and medical kits as the need arises,” he said.
“In cash and in-kind, humanitarian assistance,” he added.
Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the assistance extended by the Philippines to Palu.
“We’d like to thank the government and the people of the Philippines for the support,” Sarundajang said. “I’m very very happy.”
Meanwhile, Wee said that President Duterte may have the opportunity to personally convey the Philippines’ donation to President Joko Widodo when they meet for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering in Bali Thursday.
Aside from the government, the Filipino envoy said that private individuals are also extending help to Indonesia.
“There are many other private people in the Philippines that are giving donations in the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines,” he said.
“I learned that the ASEAN BAC (Business Advisory Council) donated US$100,000. I have friends in the Philippines that also give a lot of cash donation,” he added.
According to Wee, both the Philippines and Indonesia have enjoyed 69 fruitful years of bilateral relations. He said the neighboring countries have been helpful in terms of disaster that are happening to the two nations.
“This is a good way of a brotherly relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia,” Wee said.
On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Philippines will be extending assistance to Indonesia for as much as it can.
source: manila bulletin