AID FOR TAAL ERUPTION VICTIMS. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian turns over the Embassy's RMB1-million assistance to those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in Batangas. The turnover was made at the Department of Foreign Affairs together with Undersecretary Enrique Manalo. (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila)
MANILA -- The Philippine government has not made calls for international humanitarian assistance for Taal Volcano eruption-affected residents in Calabarzon (Region 4-A) but aid amounting to millions of pesos from other countries continue to pour in.
"(There's) no official call for international assistance by the government, however, countries may extend assistance to the local government units, non-government organizations, and other entities if they wish," Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez told reporters on Thursday.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila donated RMB1 million or about PHP7.5 million for the relief and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
Earlier, South Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man turned over USD200,000 or about PHP10 million to the Philippine Red Cross, an amount seen to help about 45,000 people displaced in the region.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim also announced that Washington is providing Manila with USD100,000 or around PHP5.1 million in relief assistance for the communities affected by the volcano's eruption.
"The DFA can help coordinate individual country assistance with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council/Office of Civil Defense. Some countries have gone directly to Red Cross, etc. or even extended help to evacuation centers," Menez said.
On Thursday, the Japanese government also extended an in-kind emergency assistance of anti-dust respirators through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
"As a volcanic country like the Philippines, Japan has repeatedly experienced hardship caused by volcanic activities in its history. We are in solidarity with the people of the Philippines in facing this challenge," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said.
"The Government of Japan made the above decision on rendering emergency relief from a humanitarian point of view, and in light of the friendship between Japan and of the Philippines," it added. (PNA)
