MANILA-- The Switzerland government donated on Tuesday 200,000 Swiss francs (PHP10.5 million) to the victims of Typhoon Ursula that barreled through the Philippines December last year.
The donation was coursed through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and was received by its chairman Senator Richard Gordon.
“This contribution is one of many efforts between Switzerland and its partners and shall help alleviate the plight of the people heavily affected by the natural calamity," Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen said during his meeting with Gordon.
“We believe that the work of the Philippine Red Cross is instrumental in helping those affected by calamities to get back up on their feet and start anew. The organization is a strong addition to the Philippine government’s efforts," he added.
According to a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Ursula has killed a total of 57 people and injured 369 others.
The agency has pegged at 783,095 the total number of families affected by the deadly cyclone that battered Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) as well as the Eastern and Western Visayas.
The contribution responds to the emergency appeal by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for assistance to the typhoon's victims. The IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian organization and is based since 1939 in Geneva.
Meanwhile, Gaschen said Switzerland remains steadfast in its readiness to assist the Philippines when there is a need as he also sent his sympathies to the victims of the recent Taal Volcano eruption. (PNA)