Brunei mobilizes to aid Philippines
Philippine and US military personnel load relief goods for Tacloban on board a US C-130 plane for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Cental Philippines, at a military base in Manila on November 11, 2013. AFP FILE PHOTO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—Donations in the form of items and financial aid can now be made to Brunei’s humanitarian fund for the victims of Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) and the Bohol earthquake that devastated the Philippines recently.
A statement from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Wednesday announced the humanitarian fund will accept suitable items for donation such as clean water, canned food, clothes, towels and toiletries.
Items can be dropped off at the Mumong Sports Complex Hall in Belait District, Tutong Sports Complex Hall in Tutong District and Pekan Bangar Bumiputera Complex Hall in Temburong District.
Donations from the Brunei-Muara District can be handed in at the Youth Centre in the capital, the multipurpose hall of the Fire and Rescue Department at the Old Airport or the multipurpose hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas.
The public can drop off their donations between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday until November 28. The MCYS also stated that clothes in wearable conditions would be accepted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued Wednesday an Asean Chairman’s statement conveying the heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy of member states to the government and people of the Philippines following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.
Asean extended its strongest support in recovery efforts, and in restoring hope as well as confidence to “the people of our community who have experienced such terrible personal loss”.
As its Secretary-General coordinates Asean’s humanitarian assistance and response, the member states affirmed their commitment to the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response 2005 as well as the safety and welfare of the people they represent.
Brunei and Malaysia are also coordinating aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, according to Bernama yesterday.
Malaysia’s state media reported that Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had discussed the prospect with Prince General Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, who was on official visit to the country.
On Monday, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam approved the establishment of the humanitarian fund for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan and the Bohol earthquake.
Over the next three months leading up to February 10, 2014, money can be donated through the humanitarian fund’s secretariat at the Administration and Finance Section located on the second floor of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) at the MCYS.
An estimated 10,000 were killed in central Philippines after Typhoon “Yolanda”, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, struck the coastal city of Tacloban and its surrounding areas last Friday.
The United Nations said more than 600,000 people were displaced by the storm across the country, with some having no access to food, water or medicine. President Benigno Aquino declared a state of national calamity on Monday to expedite relief efforts for the victims.
Brunei’s humanitarian fund will also provide aid to the victims of the Bohol earthquake.
The 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook Tagbilaran City on the island province of Bohol, days after the super typhoon left thousands dead in the Pacific nation. However, no serious damage has been reported as a result of the earthquake that occurred at 1.21pm on Tuesday.
Last month, Bohol was also the epicenter of a massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake that claimed 222 lives, left thousands homeless and destroyed city buildings.
