As a humanitarian response to the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Carina, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent a plane loaded with emergency relief goods to the Philippines. The shipment consists of food provisions, shelter resources, and medical supplies, according to a WAM report.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, stated that this initiative reflects the UAE’s respect and appreciation for the Filipino community residing in the country, acknowledging their significant contributions to its development and growth. “The people of the UAE stand in solidarity with the people of the Philippines in confronting the repercussions of the typhoon,” she said in a statement.
Moreover, it shows the UAE leadership’s commitment to quickly helping people in need around the world. She added: “The directives of His Highness the UAE President to dispatch aid to the Philippines demonstrate the dedication of the UAE to the values of solidarity and partnership, as well as its continuous commitment to extending a helping hand to provide humanitarian aid during crises and natural disasters,” Al Hashimy added.
The turnover of the supplies, which took place at Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on July 30, 2024, was presided over by UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Alqattam Alzaabi, Special Envoy to the UAE Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UAE government for their support and compassion for our fellow citizens,” shared DILG Secretary Abalos on a social media post.
This isn’t the UAE’s first time helping the Philippines. In fact, in April of the same year, the UAE sent food supplies to assist thousands of people affected by heavy rainfall in Davao de Oro Province in the southern Philippines.
Additionally, this year marks a significant milestone as the UAE and the Philippines are set to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations on August 19, 2024.
