FedEx delivers P430M worth of aid to typhoon-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - FedEx Corp. has teamed up with Direct Relief and Heart to Heart International to deliver over $10 million (P430 million) worth of relief aid and medical supplies to communities ravaged by Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

The shipment, containing about 90,000 kilos of personal care and hygiene items, pharmaceuticals, and first aid kits departed from Los Angeles on November 23 and arrived at the Mactan International Airport in Cebu on November 25.

“FedEx team members around the globe, in Asia Pacific and in particular the Philippines,are committed to assisting with the recovery effort,” said David L. Cunningham Jr., president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express. “FedEx has a long history of connecting non-profit organizations with communities in need, especially in the wake of a disaster of this scale. We are privileged to be using our extensive global network and logistical expertise to bring relief supplies to victims of the typhoon.”

Krystal Barr, interim chief executive officer of the humanitarian group Heart to Heart International, said they can make a positive impact for the Filipinos with the relief efforts for the typhoon victims.

"With a disaster of this magnitude, it is imperative that Heart to Heart International rapidly respond with critically-needed aid and supplies,” she said.

Meanwhile, Direct Relief President Thomas Tighe said the relief efforts for the typhoon-ravaged areas have logistical challenges. 

"FedEx providing its unique airlift, logistics, and medical supply-chain technical expertise is just a tremendous boost to Direct Relief's focus on supplying critically needed medications and medical supplies that have been requested by Filipino partners,” he said.

Aside from the shipment of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals departing this week, FedEx also teamed up with Water Missions International earlier in November to deliver two “Living Water Treatment Systems” capable of filtering more than 5,000 gallons of water per day.

The  equipment are now being used in the Philippines to address the needs of the Yolanda victims.