Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Hjayceelyn M. Quintana met with Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) Secretary-General Dr. Muhammad Atiq Al-Falahi together with ERC officials at the Emirates Red Crescent Headquarters in Abu Dhabi to discuss plans on the humanitarian mission that the UAE will be spearheading for victims of the Taal volcano eruption.
During the meeting held last January 20, 2020, Ambassador Quintana conveyed her gratitude for the kind message of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces referring to the His Highness’ post on social media that expresses solidarity and support for Filipinos in the wake of the eruption of the Taal Volcano.
Dr. Al-Falahi said that he would like Filipinos in UAE to know that, “We are one family, and that Emiratis are here to extend help to their families back home while they are here residing in UAE.” To this end, Ambassador Quintana and Dr. Al-Falahi agreed to continue working together so that Filipinos and Emiratis alike can contribute and donate, in kind and financially, to those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption using the facilities of ERC. ERC has developed strong partnerships in the Philippines from its previous humanitarian projects in the country.
Ambassador Quintana said that in the Embassy’s view, this coordination with the ERC is an excellent way for UAE residents, including Filipinos, to have an established, safe and secure channel for the assistance they wish to send to the Philippines.
