His Excellency Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, met in Manila with His Excellency Rex Gatchalian, Secretary of Social Welfare and Development of the Republic of the Philippines, in presence of His Excellency Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador in the Philippines.
The two officials discussed the latest developments regarding the humanitarian and development initiatives being implemented by the Red Crescent in the Philippines.
During the meeting, Secretary Gatchalian expressed his gratitude to the UAE government and to President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the continuous support provided to Filipinos through various humanitarian and developmental programs over the years. He emphasized that the UAE is one of the first and most proactive countries to offer assistance to the Philippines following each of recent natural disasters.
In turn, Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei extended his condolences to the government and people of the Philippines on victims of the recent tropical storm (Kristine) that hit the country last week. He affirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting friendly nations everywhere, highlighting the close and historical ties between Emiratis and the friendly Filipino people.
In this context, both sides discussed arrangements for distributing the urgent humanitarian assistance allocated by the UAE for those affected by the storm, with distributions set to begin this week for approximately 33,000 families (231,000 people).
Secretary Gatchalian expressed the appreciation of the Philippine government and people for this vital support amid the challenges faced by the affected areas, noting that the UAE's continued support for the Filipino people during calamities underscores that the values of humanity and solidarity are deeply rooted in the culture of the Emirati people and the policies of their government.
Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouei reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to humanitarian and developmental work worldwide, following the path set by the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and with the support of the country's wise leadership, which has solidified this approach. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has become a unique example and a pioneering model in promoting humanitarian values, solidarity, and sustainable giving.
He noted the keenness of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, in continuing to enhance humanitarian responses to support and assist friendly nations, especially in times of crises.
