REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
50 Metric Tons Of Food Aid From UAE Arrives In Albay Province
Photo credit: DSWD
Albay, Philippines - In a remarkable display of international solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has generously donated 50 metric tons, equivalent to 50,000 kilograms, of food items to support the affected families in Albay province. The much-needed aid arrived on Tuesday afternoon following the swift mobilization of delivery trucks by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday.
Upon the safe arrival of the donated food items, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio wasted no time and promptly turned over the UAE donations to the Provincial Government of Albay, led by Governor Edcel “Grex’ Lagman. Governor Lagman expressed his gratitude to several key figures who played instrumental roles in facilitating the donation. He extended his appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and UAE Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.
Furthermore, Governor Lagman thanked Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the DSWD, Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), and Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio of the Bureau of Customs for their invaluable contributions in making the delivery possible.
Governor Lagman outlined the immediate plans for the donated food items, stating that the staff of the Albay provincial government would diligently repack the goods. Subsequently, the items would be swiftly distributed to all the affected families impacted by the heightened restiveness of the Mayon Volcano.
During a press briefing held in Malacañang on Tuesday, Secretary Gatchalian shed light on the process behind the UAE-sponsored aid. He explained that Secretary Abalos, together with a member of the UAE's royal family who serves as the Minister of Interior, had facilitated the donation. Secretary Gatchalian reassured the public that all in-kind donations coordinated through their department would reach Albay in the shortest possible time. He emphasized the government's commitment to expediting relief efforts, stating, "Every machinery of the government, I think, is already moving."
In addition to the UAE donation, Secretary Gatchalian informed the press that the DSWD had already deployed approximately 38,000 food packs to Albay across five three-day waves, providing assistance to an estimated 8,000 families over a period of 15 days.
To ensure efficient coordination and avoid duplicating efforts, Secretary Gatchalian elaborated on the division of responsibilities between the DSWD and the Albay provincial government. After the DSWD had provided food packs for 15 days, the provincial government would take over the task of feeding the affected families for the following six days. At the end of this period, the DSWD would resume its assistance, providing food packs for another 15 days. Secretary Gatchalian stressed the importance of complementing each other's resources rather than overlapping them.
Acknowledging the evolving needs of the affected population, Secretary Gatchalian mentioned the DSWD's consideration of deploying financial assistance. Recognizing that the family food packs may not fully meet the requirements of nursing mothers, small children, and senior citizens, discussions are underway between the DSWD and concerned local government units (LGUs) regarding the amount of monetary aid to be provided. These efforts reflect President Marcos' directive to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups affected by the volcanic unrest.
Looking ahead, Secretary Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD would collaborate with relevant LGUs to establish a long-term arrangement for sustained support if the volcanic unrest in Albay continues for an extended period, possibly reaching 90 days. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all individuals relocated to evacuation centers by local governments receive food aid as needed.
Upon the safe arrival of the donated food items, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio wasted no time and promptly turned over the UAE donations to the Provincial Government of Albay, led by Governor Edcel “Grex’ Lagman. Governor Lagman expressed his gratitude to several key figures who played instrumental roles in facilitating the donation. He extended his appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and UAE Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi.
Furthermore, Governor Lagman thanked Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the DSWD, Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation (DoTr), and Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio of the Bureau of Customs for their invaluable contributions in making the delivery possible.
Governor Lagman outlined the immediate plans for the donated food items, stating that the staff of the Albay provincial government would diligently repack the goods. Subsequently, the items would be swiftly distributed to all the affected families impacted by the heightened restiveness of the Mayon Volcano.
During a press briefing held in Malacañang on Tuesday, Secretary Gatchalian shed light on the process behind the UAE-sponsored aid. He explained that Secretary Abalos, together with a member of the UAE's royal family who serves as the Minister of Interior, had facilitated the donation. Secretary Gatchalian reassured the public that all in-kind donations coordinated through their department would reach Albay in the shortest possible time. He emphasized the government's commitment to expediting relief efforts, stating, "Every machinery of the government, I think, is already moving."
In addition to the UAE donation, Secretary Gatchalian informed the press that the DSWD had already deployed approximately 38,000 food packs to Albay across five three-day waves, providing assistance to an estimated 8,000 families over a period of 15 days.
To ensure efficient coordination and avoid duplicating efforts, Secretary Gatchalian elaborated on the division of responsibilities between the DSWD and the Albay provincial government. After the DSWD had provided food packs for 15 days, the provincial government would take over the task of feeding the affected families for the following six days. At the end of this period, the DSWD would resume its assistance, providing food packs for another 15 days. Secretary Gatchalian stressed the importance of complementing each other's resources rather than overlapping them.
Acknowledging the evolving needs of the affected population, Secretary Gatchalian mentioned the DSWD's consideration of deploying financial assistance. Recognizing that the family food packs may not fully meet the requirements of nursing mothers, small children, and senior citizens, discussions are underway between the DSWD and concerned local government units (LGUs) regarding the amount of monetary aid to be provided. These efforts reflect President Marcos' directive to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups affected by the volcanic unrest.
Looking ahead, Secretary Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD would collaborate with relevant LGUs to establish a long-term arrangement for sustained support if the volcanic unrest in Albay continues for an extended period, possibly reaching 90 days. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all individuals relocated to evacuation centers by local governments receive food aid as needed.
Jun 14, 2023
