Australia vows P33-M aid for ‘Lando’ victims

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (left) and Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell stress the close friendship between their country and the Philippines. TWITTER SCREENGRAB

The Australian government on Thursday pledged P33 million in emergency aid to communities and families affected by Typhoon Lando in the Philippines.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop announced the aid on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015.

“Australia, as a close friend of the Philippines, is saddened by the loss of life and damage to homes and property in the wake of this tragedy,” Bishop said.

“I commend the government of the Philippines for its leadership and preparedness measures, and for quickly mobilizing its domestic resources to support affected communities and provide timely assistance,” she said.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said his government would continue to support the typhoon relief efforts as required.

“As a good friend and neighbor, the Philippines can expect that Australia will continue to support its close friend and partner during this time,” Tweddell said.

The embassy said with the United Nations Population Fund, World Food Program, and the Philippine Red Cross, Australia would release prepositioned in-country stores to affected communities.

These stores will offer dignity kits, family kits, rice supplies and high-energy biscuits.

The dignity kits contain malong cloths, bath towels, slippers, combs, nail clippers, maternity napkins, underwear, bath soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, laundry bar, and toilet paper.  Family kits contain sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets jerry cans, hygiene kits, and tarpaulins as emergency shelter.