MANILA, Philippines – While the Manila hostage crisis that left eight Hong Kong nationals dead caused a rift between the citizens of two nations, the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Yolanda proved that Hong Kong remains a reliable friend and neighbor to the Philippines.
Recently, FWD Group, the insurance arm of Hong Kong-based Pacific Century Group, donated P2.56 million for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) adopt-a-school program.
The amount was raised by the company and its subsidiaries, as well as their employers and insurers.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda to the Filipino community, and would like to express our deepest sympathy to the victims,” said Ronald Arculli, FWD Group board chairman, in a statement.
He said their assistance to typhoon-hit Leyte is part of their “commitment to give back to the regional Asian community.”
“In the aftermath of the typhoon, thousands of children have suffered huge losses. Allowing them to go back to school will help them recover from the trauma and bring some stability back into their lives. Today’s children are our future, and we must provide education to support them in achieving their dreams,” he said.
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