Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the ceremonial distribution of 100,000 bags of rice donated by South Korea to those affected by Tropical Storm Kristine across Regions I-V.
The rice donation, totaling 4,000 metric tons, was part of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve’s Tier 3 program.
The Philippines is represented by the National Food Authority in ASEAN Plus 3 Emergency Rice Reserve program.
“I am privileged to witness the critical roles played by various government agencies and international organizations to ensure the smooth arrival of the 4,000 metric tons, equivalent to 100,000 bags of rice, donated by the Government of Korea.”
“I am privileged to witness the critical roles played by various government agencies and international organizations to ensure the smooth arrival of the 4,000 metric tons, equivalent to 100,000 bags of rice, donated by the Government of Korea,” Tiu Laurel said.
The agriculture chief stressed South Korea’s food donation will significantly support the Philippines’ recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the storm.
Laurel, a town in Batangas, was one of the hardest-hit areas by Tropical Storm Kristine, with families needing relocation and many still displaced, requiring permanent shelter.
The agriculture head noted that given the rising food prices, the donation from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs comes at a crucial time.
“Given the high food prices, this gift of rice from the government of Korea is most certainly welcome.”
“Given the high food prices, this gift of rice from the government of Korea is most certainly welcome and provides timely assistance to the Philippine government in its efforts to aid calamity-affected provinces,” he added.
South Korea’s Ambassador Lee Sang-Wa, representing MAFRA, also participated in the ceremonial turnover of the rice donation, underscoring the strong ties and cooperative efforts between the two nations in times of crisis.
