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MANILA, Philipppines?Canada has been the biggest donor country so far for the survivors of tropical storm Ondoy, pledging up to 5 million Canadian dollars (P220 million) for disaster response and immediate relief, a statement from the embassy in Canada here said.
This follows an initial contribution from the embassy of Canada in Manila of 50,000 Canadian dollars (P2.2 million) made earlier to the Philippine National Red Cross for the purchase of basic food and essential non-food items for 3,500 families in Marikina City and Rizal Province.
The provincial government of Manitoba is also sending 100,000 Canadian dollars (P4.4 million) in support of the relief effort. ?I am pleased to be able to offer support on behalf of the Province in this time of great need,? Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said.
"Canadians are deeply concerned for the people of the Philippines who are suffering the effects of Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy)," said Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation.
"We are working closely with our partners in the region to determine how best we can help the affected populations,? she added.
Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon earlier expressed his sympathies to the people of the Philippines following the widespread flooding, loss of life, and extensive damage brought by the storm. ?On behalf of all Canadians, I offer condolences to those who have lost friends or family members in this tragic natural disaster,? he said.
Canada is home to more than 400,000 Filipinos and Canadians of Philippine descent.
Other countries that have responded to the plea for help to Ondoy victims include European Union (P130 million), Australia (P120 million), Japan (about P10.34 million in goods); China (P6.6 million); and the United States (P4.7 million).
