24 December 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today received a check in the amount of 5.5 million pesos donated by the People’s Republic of China for the victims of the Leyte and Surigao landslides.  The check was handed over by Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui at the Department of
Foreign Affairs today.

 “I expressed our deep appreciation to Ambassador Wang and to the government and people of China.  I told him that we are deeply moved by their generous gesture and that the Filipino people find great comfort in the kind thoughts and kindness of close friends like China during this time of great challenge and extreme sorrow,” Secretary Albert said after her meeting with Ambassador Wang.

The Secretary said that Ambassador Wang also conveyed the profound sympathies of the Chinese government for the victims of this disaster. “China shares our deep sense of loss and hopes that their donation will help alleviate the suffering of those left behind and contribute to rescue, recovery and rehabilitation efforts
in Leyte and Surigao,” Secretary Albert said.

“I told Ambassador Wang that the people of Leyte and Surigao are in high spirits and are not allowing this tragedy to defeat them.  I told him that I had spoken to the President yesterday right after she returned from Leyte and Surigao and that the President was moved and inspired by the strength, resilience and determination of the brave people of Leyte and Surigao.  I told him that the donation of China will be put to good and immediate use,” Secretary Albert said.

“The Philippines deeply appreciates and is profoundly touched by the assistance and cooperation of countries like China and by the expressions of sympathy and support it has received,” the Secretary said, after reports indicated that donations and pledges of support continued to come in from other countries and international organizations for the victims of the Leyte and Surigao.

“We will also seek international technical cooperation and assistance to ensure that this tragedy will not be repeated,” the Secretary added. END.