The UAE Embassy in Manila has distributed food baskets to more than 1,000 families in Muslim communities in Manila.
The relief operation was undertaken by the embassy in cooperation with the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and is part of the UAE’s ongoing global mission to help communities in need during this Ramadan season.
H.E. Hamad Saeed Hamad Obaid Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, said, “For the support, we will deliver it to the house of our Muslim brothers and sisters and we want to thank the support both of the UAE and the Philippine government.”
He also urged the Muslim community in Manila to strictly follow the preventive measures implemented by the Philippine government while performing their religious duties during the entire Ramadan season.
Included in the food baskets are rice, coffee, milk, canned goods and other essential items good for a month.
The COVID-19 pandemic has change the way Filipino Muslims are commemorating the holy month. Gatherings during suhoor or the pre-dawn meal, and iftar or sunset meal to break the fasting at sunset are not currently taking place.
The temporary closure their businesses in Manila due to the enhanced community quarantine has also affected the occasion.
Meanwhile, the UAE government has also sent seven metric tons of medical supplies to the Philippines to bolster the country’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The aid will assist approximately 7,000 medical professionals as they work to contain the virus.
Alzaabi said, “Through the provision of critical medical aid, the UAE affirms its commitment to offering a helping hand to the Philippines.”
He added, “Our two countries share a deep partnership between our governments and peoples, and it is our sincere hope that such assistance enables the Philippines to take the necessary action to defend itself against COVID-19.”
