If there’s anything that the Philippines can do for Ukraine, it's sending over Filipino workers who can help rebuild the homes and public buildings that were destroyed there during the war.
Deputy Majority Leader and Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos said the country must do its part in the postwar recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
“Moving forward, the Philippines should help rebuild Ukraine when the current war is over. We may not be rich in capital, but we have many Filipino workers,” he said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 14.
Delos Santos, a member of the Inter-parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, noted the Philippines also has many peace educators and law experts who can help renew the democratic systems in Ukraine.
“We also have teachers and health professionals who can revive the health care and education systems of Ukraine,” he added.
The lawmaker made the suggestion after Ukraine expressed intention to establish an embassy in the Philippines as part of its efforts to expand diplomatic presence in the Asian region.
READ: Ukraine eyes opening embassy in PH
Ukraine has been confronted by a humanitarian crisis following Russia’s invasion of the country in February 2022 that escalated the years-long Russo-Ukrainian War.
But on Friday last week, Ukrainians regained the city of Kherson, marking the first time Ukrainian troops entered the city since Russia’s occupation of it in March.
“Goodwill extended to Ukraine at this crucial time in its history is much more than good business. It is moral business and corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Recognizing its current situation, Delos Santos suggested other ways on how the Philippine can help Ukraine.
READ: Ukraine says war with Russia will only end ‘when Ukraine wins’
He said the owners of leading office condominiums and prime residential properties must offer “concessional and preferential rates” to the government of Ukraine.
“I also urge the local providers of equipment, furniture, and amenities to donate their services and products to Ukraine,” the party-list representative said.