President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its unwavering support for the Philippines and its timely assistance for the families affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.
“Thank you very much. I cannot go further without thanking the UAE for the very timely assistance that you provided the victims of the explosion of our volcano,” President Marcos told UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi who paid a courtesy visit to him on Tuesday at the Malacañan Palace.
Before the courtesy call, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian received over 50 tons of humanitarian aid from the UAE government for Mayon Volcano-affected residents.
President Marcos is set to visit Albay today to personally meet and provide assistance to affected residents amid these trying times brought about by the unrest of the volcano.
As part of his visit to Albay, the chief executive said he will gladly inform the residents of the UAE government’s assistance to them “so that they will know you gave such timely and very rapid and very large assistance.”
For their part, UAE government officials assured President Marcos that they are more than willing to provide any assistance to the Philippines and the Filipino people not only during the country’s trying times but also during the good times.
“Thank you. That is very, very generous of you,” the President said as he emphasized that the Philippines would soon reciprocate the UAE government’s goodness to the Filipino people.
“Unfortunately, the Philippines falls victim not only to volcano explosions, but of course to typhoons, and earthquakes. We are in that part of the world where we are vulnerable. We are hoping that the activity of the volcano will start to calm. But we cannot say that for sure, but we are watching it closely,” he added.
The UAE officials reiterated their support for the Philippines and the Filipino people, saying that they stand firm on the two countries’ good relationship. *PND*
