China donates P90M in aid to Philippines for typhoon relief

MANILA, Philippines — China donated a total of P90 million in aid to the Philippines for disaster relief after Typhoon Karen (international name: Sarika) and Typhoon Lawin (international name: Haima) hit the country.

During the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to China, President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences during their bilateral talks, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his sympathy as well to his Philippine counterpart Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

The Chinese government committed 5 million in yuan which equals to P35 million to Philippine anti-disaster efforts.

An additional P50 million in aid was also donated by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines for the disaster relief of farmers and fishermen in affected regions.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society of China will also provide a humanitarian aid of $100,000 to the country, which brings the total amount donated by China to P90 million.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, they are still assessing the damage done by the typhoons and how much will be needed to repair it.

The Chinese side said it is confident that people in typhoon-stricken areas will overcome the calamity and return to their normal work and lives as soon as possible under the leadership of Duterte.