Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez thanked South Korea for its generous rice donation to the Philippines to support food security and disaster response measures.
The Korean Embassy in an announcement on Tuesday said it will donate 2,016 metric tons of rice to the Philippines “to support swift responses to humanitarian crises and persistent rice shortages in vulnerable communities.”
Hailing it as a testament to the robust alliance between the two countries, Romualdez expressed his deep appreciation for Seoul’s timely support, especially as many parts of the country reel from a recent typhoon and flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains.
“South Korea’s heartwarming donation is proof of its strong ties with the Philippines and its selflessness to look out for its neighbors in Asia – a reflection of Asian values of unity and community,” he said.
“The Philippines and its people are truly grateful for the helping hand that Seoul extended to us in our time of need. It would boost our government’s efforts to extend assistance to many of our kababayans affected by the floods,” Romualdez added.
He assured the Korean government that the Philippine government would utilize the donated rice judiciously and in line with its intended purpose.
“This donated rice will be used as intended: in delivering aid to disaster victims and providing access to affordable food in our most vulnerable communities. This is how the Philippines repays the kindness of its allies and neighbors: by bringing the aid it receives to people and places that need it the most,” he said.
The turnover ceremony for the donated rice is scheduled for August in Manila.
Of the 2,016 metric tons of rice, 1,616 will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while 400 metric tons will go to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
