The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed its gratitude to the international community for extending aid and pledging support to the Philippines’ relief and recovery efforts for communities in Cebu and Central Philippines heavily affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, the DFA said they appreciate the messages of sympathy and solidarity sent by the international community.
“We are also deeply heartened by the many messages of sympathy and solidarity that we received from our international partners,” the message read.
It also welcomed Timor-Leste’s announcement to deploy 120 engineers and firefighters to help in the cleanup and rehabilitation of affected areas.
This message came in response to embassies and envoys in the Philippines who have expressed solidarity and offered aid to communities hit by the typhoon.
The DFA also clarified that there were no requests made for international humanitarian assistance.
Earlier, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu, and the Canadian Embassy to the Philippines stated their willingness to collaborate with the government to aid the victims.
Meanwhile, the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Qatar, and the European Union in the Philippines also conveyed their messages of solidarity and sympathy for the Filipino people.
As of writing, reports indicate that the death toll from Typhoon Tino has risen to 188; with 135 people still missing.
On Thursday, November 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national state of calamity following in response to the onslaught of the typhoon.
