24 November 2005 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo formally handed over to Pakistan the Philippine Government's post-earthquake assistance of PHP 2.72 Million (US$50,000) in response to the Pakistani Government's international appeal for assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of areas damaged by the October 8 earthquake that struck Pakistan.

The estimated death toll from the quake has reached 89,000, and the damage to the economy of Pakistan is estimated at more than US$5 billion.

Secretary Romulo handed over the cheque for PHP 2.72 Million (US$50,000) to Chargé d'Affaires Zahoor Ahmed of the Pakistani Embassy during a simple ceremony at the DFA and in the presence of Mr. Sergio O. Valencia, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman, whose office provided the funds for the assistance.

“This is our country's modest contribution to the international relief and rehabilitation effort to assist the people affected by the earthquake,” Secretary Romulo said.

Secretary Romulo also reiterated President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's message, earlier conveyed in a letter to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, of sympathy and solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this time of great suffering, and stressed the timeliness of the assistance.

“Our President understands the urgency of assisting the quake victims, especially at this time when the severe winter season in northern Pakistan is expected to adversely affect those rendered homeless and without heating,” the Secretary added.

Aside from official assistance from the Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross has sent six volunteers to assist the victims in Pakistan, and donations from the Philippine private sector are being coursed through formal and informal channels.

Any additional donations may be coordinated with the Pakistani Embassy.  (Please refer to the separate photo release on this subject.)  END
 
 

/bjg