Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss visited the Bicol region on November 13 and 14 to provide relief assistance to typhoon-affected Bicolanos and to officially turn over a livelihood project funded by MASHAV.
In Naga City, Ambassador Fluss met with Mayor Nelson Legacion to extend his solidarity and sympathies to the residents affected by Typhoon Kristine. Mayor Legacion briefed the Ambassador on the effects of the typhoon and their recovery efforts. They also discussed possible partnerships in many areas such as disaster risk management using modern technologies from Israel.
Through MASHAV, the Embassy of Israel donated school supplies and equipment, including printers, inks, bond paper, notebooks, pens, storage boxes, first aid kits, and hygiene supplies. These donations will benefit 500 students and faculty members at Julian Meliton Elementary School. "We have been closely monitoring the situation and saw the need to support the Bicolanos. We learned that the school and the students lost their school supplies and equipment due to flooding. We hope these new materials will assist the students with their studies and will inspire them as future young leaders," Ambassador Fluss explained.
The Israeli Ambassador also visited the Queen of Peace Children’s Home and Formation Center to donate food and essential supplies, including diapers, laundry detergent, baby formula, and adult diapers for the elderly. "Women, children—especially orphans—and people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable during disasters," he noted. "We hope this donation offers some relief as they recover from these challenges."
In addition to the relief efforts, Ambassador Fluss visited the site of the Self-Help Group (SHeG) Community Enterprise in Lupi, Camarines Sur, where MASHAV has funded a livelihood project to empower local women. Together with Mayor Lilian Matamorosa of Lupi, he visited the Missionary Oratorians of Mary Convent where the donated equipment to produce cranberry wine and juice is stored. The project, led by former MASHAV Scholar Ms. Nelsie Uy in partnership with Caritas Philippines, will benefit 80 women entrepreneurs from the community. Ambassador Fluss also donated sacks of rice for the members of SHeG.
"We hope Israel's assistance will support their recovery and help generate income. This project aims to empower women economically while preserving local traditions and knowledge," he said.
Through MASHAV, the Embassy also donated sacks of rice to residents of Lupi. Ambassador Fluss, alongside Mayor Matamorosa, helped with the repacking and distribution of relief packs to 250 affected families.
Accompanied by his wife, Madame Gila, Ambassador Fluss emphasized during his visit to Bicol that Israel stands ready to support its Filipino friends, even amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. “There are many Bicolano caregivers and hotel industry workers in Israel, and young farmers from Bicol join our agriculture internship program to learn modern farming techniques,” he shared. “Even in the middle of a conflict, the Bicolanos remained with us in Israel. Supporting their kababayans here is our way of expressing our gratitude,” he explained.
MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, plays a key role in providing professional training opportunities to Filipino experts in various sectors and coordinating Israel’s official humanitarian assistance programs.