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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider South Korea donates 2,016 metric tons of rice to boost PH disaster, aid, peace efforts

South Korea donates 2,016 metric tons of rice to boost PH disaster, aid, peace efforts

Published Aug 6, 2025 02:43 pm

At A Glance

  • Of the total volume, 1,632 metric tons were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during a ceremony at its National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, Aug. 6
The Republic of Korea has donated 2,016 metric tons of rice to the Philippines to support government programs on disaster response, climate resilience, and peacebuilding, underscoring its growing bilateral partnership with Manila.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian lead the turnover of 2,016 metric tons of rice from the South Korean government to the Philippines, in Pasay City on Aug. 6, 2025. Joining them were DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and World Food Programme Philippines Country Director Regis Chapman.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian lead the turnover of 2,016 metric tons of rice from the South Korean government to the Philippines, in Pasay City on Aug. 6, 2025. Joining them were DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and World Food Programme Philippines Country Director Regis Chapman.
Of the total volume, 1,632 metric tons were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during a ceremony at its National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, Aug. 6
Another 384 metric tons will be sent to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to aid local peace and development initiatives.
In attendance were Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, and World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Country Director Regis Chapman.
Ambassador Lee said the donation was not just about food security, but also about shared values and solidarity during uncertain times.
“Rice is more than a staple—it is a symbol of survival, national identity, and social stability in Southeast Asia,” he said.
He added that the donation reflects the spirit of cooperation between our nations.”
Meanwhile, the Korean envoy expressed sympathy for Filipinos affected by recent typhoons and monsoon rains, while welcoming the Marcos administration’s renewed focus on food and disaster preparedness, as outlined in the President’s State of the Nation Address.
He also praised DSWD’s leadership in delivering critical aid, citing flagship programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Walang Gutom.
The new donation follows Korea’s earlier contributions of 400 metric tons in 2022, 750 metric tons in 2023, and 4,000 metric tons in 2025 through the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR). Unlike those donations, the current shipment was delivered bilaterally, signaling deeper cooperation between the two countries.
The World Food Programme will facilitate the distribution of the rice, ensuring it reaches disaster-prone and conflict-affected communities across the country. WFP had also worked with Korea in delivering USD 500,000 in humanitarian aid after Typhoons Kristine and Leon in 2023.
The Korean Embassy in Manila reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Philippines on food security, disaster resilience, and long-term peace.
“The Government of the Republic of Korea will continue to stand with the Philippines and contribute to its efforts in disaster response, climate adaptation, food security, and lasting peace,” it said.

Related Tags

PH-South Korea Lee Sang-hwa Rex Gatchalian DSWD Rice
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