Two ROC (Taiwan) air force C-130s delivered 10 metric tons of relief supplies to the Philippines Dec. 25-26 as part of government efforts to assist the Southeast Asian country bounce back from Typhoon Rai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Taking off from Pingtung air force base in southern Taiwan, the transports touched down at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. They carried items such as bottled water, canned food, grains, instant noodles, portable water filters, snacks and tents.
Michael Pei-yung Hsu, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, took possession of the supplies at MCIA before transferring them to the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council under the Office of Civil Defense.
The flights follow last week’s donation of US$500,000 by MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu on behalf of the government and the people to Wilfredo B. Fernandez, chairman and resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
According to the ministry, the extreme weather event impacted the central and southern regions of the Philippines. Subsequent flooding and landslides claimed 378 lives and caused over US$400 million in agricultural and infrastructure losses.
Taiwan and the Philippines share a close geographic proximity, as well as similar climatic and natural disaster challenges, the MOFA said. The government is willing and able to provide more assistance if requested as part of its commitment to helping the people get back on their feet and resume everyday life, the ministry added.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said “Super #TyphoonRai caused destruction & heavy casualties in the #Philippines. It ruined #Christmas for many & hit us hard too as we truly care about our #Filipino brothers & sisters. Fortunately, #Taiwan’s #ROCAF C-130 flew in supplies quickly. Hang in there, more are coming. JW” (YCH-E)
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