Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jing Quan formally signed on Monday (March 2) the handover certificates for the 1 million US dollar cash donation from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the DSWD Central Office’s Katapatan Boardroom.
Secretary Gatchalian expressed his sincere appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador the PRC’s continued support to the Philippines, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
The DSWD received the cash grant last December 29, 2025, which has been utilized as additional funding to expedite assistance to families affected by typhoons Uwan and Tino; the earthquakes in Cebu and Davao; and the eruption of Kanlaon and Mayon volcanoes.
Witnessing the ceremonial signing were: Asst. Secretary for Special Concerns Paul Ledesma, Asst. Secretary for National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) Leo Quintilla, and other DSWD officials.
Also present were Chinese Minister Counsellor Yang Guoliang, together with the Chinese Embassy delegates: First Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Office Xie Tingfang, First Secretary for Media and Public Affairs Liu Yan, Political Section Attaché Liu Lucheng, Economic and Commercial Office Attaché Xiong Shimin, and Media and Public Affairs Section Attaché Wei Xudong. (KB)
DSWD, Chinese Embassy reaffirm commitment to strengthen humanitarian partnership
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), reaffirmed its shared commitment to further strengthen humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts through the ceremonial signing of handover certificates at the DSWD Central Office Katapatan Boardroom on Monday (March 2).
In his message, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the PRC has consistently supported the Philippines during disasters, particularly typhoons Uwan and Tino; as well as the 6.9 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes that hit the provinces of Cebu and Davao, prompting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to declare a national state of calamity.
Following the declaration, the PRC immediately extended a cash donation to the DSWD through the endorsement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Secretary Gatchalian noted that the timely assistance provided by the Chinese Embassy resulted in a more efficient delivery of social services and other forms of aid to disaster-affected families.
“We extend our deepest appreciation and sincere gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for your generous donation of 1 million US dollars in support of the families affected by the recent typhoons Uwan and Tino. The support to Filipino people is made more feasible in partnership with other organizations, agencies, local government units, and assistance of generous nations,” Secretary Gatchalian said during the ceremonial handover of the cash donation from the government of China.
The cash donation from the PRC was received through a bank deposit last December 29, 2025 which has been utilized to support the DSWD’s disaster response operations.
“This act of kindness reflects the true spirit of humanity and partnership between our nations. With partners like you, the DSWD is empowered to reach farther, respond faster, serve better, and help restore hope to communities striving for their recovery,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jing Quan warmly acknowledged the gratitude expressed by the DSWD chief and reiterated that China considers the Philippines a valued friend committed to mutual support.
“I hope this help reaches the affected people as soon as possible so they can get through the hard times, and go back to their normal lives. Philippines-China we’re neighbors, we’re friends. We should always respect each other, learn from each other, like each other, and help each other,” Ambassador Quan said.
