CEBU, Philippines - Algeria joined the long list of countries that have lent a helping hand following super typhoon Yolanda as they donated 6,400 metric tons of rice.
Personally leading the turnover of the first shipment yesterday was Ambassador Abdelmalek Bouheddou of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Bouheddou went to the Cebu International Port where the initial 780 metric tons of rice were shipped upon arriving in Cebu. The donated rice was received by DSWD-7 Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat.
The Algerian government has identified the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 as a consignee of the donation.
The donation, estimated to cost $3 million, was ordered by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The donating nation specifically instructed DSWD that the rice must solely be used for the surviving victims of super typhoon Yolanda, which ravaged parts of the Visayas last November 8.
DSWD is the main agency in the relief operations of the Philippine government. —/BRP (FREEMAN)