Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday (August 6) receives 1,632 metric tons of rice from the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK), represented by Ambassador of ROK to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, in simple hand-over ceremonies at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City.
The rice donation was made possible through the World Food Programme (WFP) led by Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman. To formalize the acceptance of the rice donation, the DSWD chief signed the deed of donations together with Ambassador Lee and WFP Country Director Chapman.
The donated rice, valued at more than Php32 million, will be repacked and form part of the DSWD’s family food packs (FFPs) for distribution to disaster-affected families. After the turnover, Secretary Gatchalian led the guests for a tour around the different warehouses at the NROC.
Joining the hand-over ceremony were Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) as well as Special Assistant to the Secretary Leo Quintilla, who is also the Officer-In-Charge of the DSWD-National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB). (GDVF)
DSWD chief welcomes rice donation from Korea; vows swift repacking, dispatch to disaster hit-Pinoys
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday (August 6) thanked the Republic of Korea (ROK) for the 1,632 metric tons of rice donation as part of the ROK’s continued humanitarian assistance to help Filipinos affected by disasters.
Secretary Gatchalian also cited the support of the United Nations-World Food Programme (UN-WFP) which facilitated the donations.
“We extend our sincerest appreciation to the ROK and the UN-WFP for your support and generous donation of 1,632 metric tons of rice to help those affected by the recent combined effects of the southwest monsoon, and Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong. Thank you to our friends from the ROK and the WFP for your compassionate heart in extending resources for the benefit of individuals and families affected by disasters,” the DSWD chief said in his message.
Secretary Gatchalian, along with ROK Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa, and WFP Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman, signed the deed of donation during a simple handover ceremony at the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City.
“Your donation will go a long way in helping them [disaster-hit families] put food on the table as they find ways to recover and eventually lead normal lives. Rest assured that we will ensure our immediate and sustained provision of humanitarian assistance to the families affected, and exert all efforts to distribute your donations to those in most need. Beyond words, we know that this is the best way to express our utmost gratitude for your generosity,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief said the donated rice will be repacked and form part of the Department’s family food packs (FFPs). Based on rough estimates, the 1,632 metric tons of rice, or 40,000 sacks of rice, would be able to cover around 280,000 FFPs with 6 kilos of rice per food pack.
Last year, the ROK also donated 4,000 metric tons of rice when the country was devastated by Typhoon Kristine.
Although the DSWD has an adequate supply, Secretary Gatchalian said the Department welcomes the humanitarian assistance from the ROK and other generous partners.
Secretary Gatchalian also thanked the WFP for sharing their resources and providing logistical support in transporting the relief goods.
Representing the ROK, Ambassador Lee expressed sympathy with the Filipino people following the damage caused by the recent calamities.
Ambassador Lee said the ROK donated more than 2,000 metric tons of rice to the Philippine government, with 1,632 allocated to the DSWD for disaster response.
“I commend the DSWD on the able leadership of Secretary Gatchalian for his dedication to the Filipino families during times of adversity. In this context, the Korean government is honored to support the Philippines’ disaster response and peace-building efforts through this contribution. Of this total donation, 1,632 metric tons are being handed over to DSWD to bolster the country’s emergency response capacity,” Ambassador Lee said.
The DSWD has already distributed more than 1.7 million boxes of FFPs as part of its disaster relief operations for those affected by the recent disasters. (GDVF)
