The People’s Republic of China turned over on Tuesday an additional cash donation worth P35,000,000 to the Philippines through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help fund recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the Department for calamity-affected communities.

China has earlier donated P60,000,000 on November 7 to help the affected families of Typhoon Lawin which struck the northern part of Luzon last month.

In a simple turnover ceremony at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo received the cash donation from Honorable He Xiangqi, Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of China in the Philippines.

Also present during the ceremonial turnover were DSWD Undersecretary Mateo G. Montaño,  Director Felino O. Castro V, and Undersecretary Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa.

In her message, Sec. Taguiwalo stressed the importance of international solidarity.

“As we continue to assess the damage brought by the typhoon, further assistance is needed for the recovery and rehabilitation of the typhoon victims. Every help we can get locally and internationally is welcome as long as no conditions are attached and based on what we need,” she said.

“I would like to thank the Chinese people and its government for being responsive to the Filipino people’s needs especially in times of crisis. This solidarity reflects the type of development China pursues.  I am confident that both the Philippines and China share the same ideals for humanity,” Sec. Taguiwalo added.

For her part, Hon. He Xiangqi said that the Philippines has also extended its help to China.

“We can never forget that when China was hit by a great disaster, the Philippines offered support spiritually and materially. And by doing so, China also wishes to demonstrate that we are old neighbors, old brothers, and friends in need,” she added.

From March 20, 2006 to November 7, 2016, the People’s Republic of China donated a total of P67,959,000 for calamity-affected communities in the Philippines and another $105,190 to aid in the country’s disaster relief efforts.

The Philippines also received in-kind donations from China amounting to P88,660,958.45 consisting of motor vehicles, housing materials, generators and various relief items.

According to Sec. Taguiwalo,  the donations will go a long way in serving the people of the Philippines. She also said that serving the people is one of the main concerns of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I would like to thank all the organizations, individuals, and institutions that have donated funds for the recovery and rehabilitation of our calamity-affected communities. Long live international solidarity!” she ended. ###