By: Quer Lim
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| Photo By: Frances G. Mangosing Twitter Account |
In an aim to aid the country in its disaster response missions, China has donated a billion worth of military equipment to the Philippines, the first batch of which arrived in Manila last Jan. 16.
The first batch that cost P614 million comprised rescue and relief equipment such as water purification vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, detectors, drone systems, and x-ray machines. There were also Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots, bomb disposal suits and transport vehicles, and engineering equipment such as backhoes, dumptrucks, forklifts, and earthmovers. Another batch is expected to arrive at a later date.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said that the equipment would be formally turned over to the Department of National Defense (DND), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) next month.
"I hope that the donation would play a role in maintaining peace and fighting terrorism campaign as well as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission of typhoon Odette," Huang said.
The donation was part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2018 commitment during his state visit to help the Philippines in its counternarcotics and counterterrorism campaign, and Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe's pledge to donate military equipment during his visit to Manila in 2020.
Furthermore, the Japanese Government has also exchanged a note verbale with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) regarding their donation for the affected areas of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines.
The IFRC is said to receive $1.83 million from the Japanese government that will be used to provide emergency shelters, food, and other essential items to the typhoon survivors in Surigao del Norte, Bohol, Southern Leyte, and Palawan.
The donation coursed through to the IFRC is part of Japan’s commitment to provide $13 million for the survivors of Typhoon Odette.