China donates P5.5-M for landslide victims

China has donated P5.5 million for the victims of the killer landslides in Southern Leyte and the Surigao provinces.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Albert received the check for P5.5 million from Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui in ceremonies at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City yesterday.

"I expressed our deep appreciation to Ambassador Wang and to the government and people of China," Albert said.

"I told him that we are deeply moved by their generous gesture and that the Filipino people find great comfort in the kind thoughts and kindness of close friends like China during this time of great challenge and extreme sorrow," she said.

Albert said Wang also conveyed the profound sympathies of the Chinese government for the victims of the disaster. "China shares our deep sense of loss and hopes that their donation will help alleviate the suffering of those left behind and contribute to rescue, recovery and rehabilitation efforts in Leyte and Surigao," she said.

"I told Ambassador Wang that the people of Leyte and Surigao are in high spirits and are not allowing this tragedy to defeat them.

"I told him that I had spoken to the President yesterday right after she returned from Leyte and Surigao and that the President was moved and inspired by the strength, resilience and determination of the brave people of Leyte and Surigao. I told him that the donation of China will be put to good and immediate use," Albert said.

She said the Philippines is deeply touched by the assistance and cooperation of China and by the expressions of sympathy and support it has received.

"We will also seek international technical cooperation and assistance to ensure that this tragedy will not be repeated," she said.

Last Tuesday, Japan donated P9 million worth of assorted relief items for the victims of the landslides. — With reports from Mike Frialde, Sandy Araneta