True to its word, the House of Representatives turned over a humble donation of $100,000 in financial assistance to the earthquake-stricken people of Turkey on Monday afternoon, Feb. 13.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, with a solemn face, led turnover of the money, which was handed over to Turkey Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol.
The simple ceremony took place inside Romualdez's office at Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, home of the House of Representatives.
“You know in an event like this, it’s very good to know you have your friends on your side,” said Akyol, as he expressed gratitude to the House-led Romualdez.
Amid the disaster, Akyol said the people of Turkey is consoled by the fact that the international community has come out really strong to help them, with 99 countries that has offered assistance to date.
“And we have on the ground almost 10,400 rescue workers and of course the Philippines is one of the major contributor. On that note I would like to express my government and my personal heartfelt gratitude to President Marcos, Jr. for his leadership, for his swift instruction for Philippine authorities to get into action,” the envoy said.
He noted that tthere was a Philippine search, rescue and medical team composed of 82 young Filipino “heroes” in Turkey, braving extreme cold to provide assistance, just 48 hours after the disaster struck. He added that the Philippine Red Cross has also provided assistance to the earthquake victims.
The envoy also said he was extremely grateful for the gesture of the House of Representatives, led by Romualdez.
“The very fact that you thought about this is enough for us. And your generosity is most heart-warming and touching in this hour of need. The fact that you thought about this, that you made an organization to make this happen is much, much appreciated, Speaker. Thank you,” he said.
For his part, Romualdez said the people of the Philippines will continue to support the emergency and relief operations in Turkey.
“The Filipino people has benefitted so much from the compassion of Turkish voluteers,” said Speaker Romualdez, recalling the assistance Turkey gave when super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck Leyte and many parts of Eastern Samar in November 2013.
“We will be here with you as Turkey was always with us in Haiyan—Yolanda--- and all the other disasters,” he added.
In a related development, Romualdez and other House leaders have filed a resolution expressing the lower chamber's condolences to families in Turkey who lost loved ones following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the country and Syria last week.
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The number of fatalities from the disaster has breached the 33,000-mark as of this posting. At least two of the deaths were Filipinos.
Also taking part in the turnover were Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Majority Leader Manuel and Zamboanga City Rep. Mannix Dalipe, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Ambassador Aykol's wife Inddri Puspitarasi, Pangasinan Rep. Ma. Rachael Arenas, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, and Zamboanga Del Norte Rep. Glona Labadlabad.