Singapore president visits Samar, hands over donations

BASEY, Samar, Philippines – Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrived here yesterday afternoon to hand over medical equipment and supplies to the Basey District Hospital.

Gov. Sharee Ann Tan led local officials in accepting the donations and later gave the Singaporean leader a commendation signed by all provincial board members of Samar.

In his speech, Tan said he is optimistic that the “small” donation from his country would symbolize a gesture of friendship and solidarity with the Filipino people.

“I hope it can help make some improvement, especially in the most devastated areas,” he said.

Last Friday, Tan also handed over $7 million in donations to partner organizations in the Philippines of the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) involved in post-Yolanda rehabilitation projects.

Tan added that they also raised funds amounting to $11.45 million for the victims of the super typhoon that hit the Philippines last November.

He said the funds will be used by their partner organizations to construct and rehabilitate hospitals, shelters, schools and health care facilities as well as for medical supplies and water sanitation.

Tan’s visit to the Philippines reciprocates President Aquino’s state visit to Singapore last month.

Singapore was the Philippines’ fourth largest trade partner in 2013 and the sixth largest source of tourists.