A child plays in the river in Barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay, with Mayon Volcano in the background. INQUIRER PHOTO/GEORGE GIO BRONDIAL/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON
After donating P5 million for the victims of the crisis in Marawi City last year, the Korean Embassy came to help again, this time, by donating P10 million for the victims of the eruption of the Mayon volcano in Albay, Bicol province.
On Thursday, Philippine Red Cross Chair and CEO Senator Richard Gordon said the Korean Embassy Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man handed P10 million ($200,000) to support the Philippine Red Cross’ relief, recovery and rehabilitation operations in Albay.
Also present during the turnover on Wednesday were Korean Minister Counselor Kyun Jongho and Chief Economist Mabellene Reynaldo.
Han said the donations are for the 20,000 displaced families who are also facing health risks due to the volcanic ashes.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my sympathies to all the communities affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay Province,” the ambassador said.
“Korea will always appreciate the support that the Philippines have given during the Korean War. As a friend to Filipinos, therefore, Korea is committed to providing the necessary assistance in this time of need,” he added.
Gordon, in turn, commended the Korean Embassy for their continuous support to PRC’s movement to “alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable.”
“This timely donation will not only augment the PRC’s capacity, but is also a great contribution in providing hope to thousands of families affected by Mayon’s volcanic activities,” Gordon said in a statement.
Gordon said the donations will be used to purchase hygiene kits, provide clean and potable water and construct more comfort rooms for thousands of evacuees at the 59 evacuation centers.
PRC also reported they have already built five comfort rooms in Lower Binogsacan High School in Guinobatan, Albay.
Construction of more latrines is still ongoing in San Jose Elementary School, Malilipot Central School, Comun Elementary School and Guinobatan West Central School, the PRC added.
Temporary learning spaces were also set up at Lower Binogsacan Elementary School, Bitano Elementary School, and Bagumbayan Elementary School.
The PRC has also provided hygiene and sleeping kits to 1,900 families, hot meals to some 3,800 individuals and psychosocial support to around 12,000 people. /je