The government of the People’s Republic of China formally handed over a US$1 million cash donation to the Philippines on Monday, March 2 as humanitarian assistance for families affected by destructive typhoons that struck the country last year.

The ceremonial signing of the handover certificate was led by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Rex Gatchalian during a handover ceremony held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

In his remarks, Jing said China extended assistance following the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which caused widespread damage and casualties.

“We felt your pain as our own and expressed our deepest sympathy and condolences. To show our deep friendship and humanitarian care, the Chinese government decided to provide one million dollars in cash and 10 million RMB in emergency supplies. So we want to support the affected people to overcome their difficulties and rebuild their homes,” Jing said.

He noted that aside from the Chinese government’s assistance, local governments in China, Chinese companies operating in the Philippines, and Filipino-Chinese communities also extended donations and relief supplies.

“The one million dollars in cash was already delivered last December, and we are actively preparing the emergency supplies. I hope this help reaches the affected people as soon as possible so we can get through the hard times and go back to their normal lives,” he added.

Jing also emphasized continued cooperation between the Philippines and China.

“So Philippines, China, we're neighbors, we're friends. As neighbors, as friends, we should always respect each other, learn from each other, like each other, and help each other,” he said.

He added that China will continue supporting the Philippines not only in disaster response but also in development initiatives.

“And in China, we will continue to support the Philippines in disaster prevention and rebuilding. We will also push for more cooperation in projects like the seeding infrastructure, water treatment, and the poverty relief. We want to make sure ordinary Filipinos truly benefit from all those projects of joint operations,” Jing said.

The ambassador also expressed hope that bilateral relations would remain stable through continued dialogue and cooperation.

“So I believe that as long as we talk more, trust each other more, and handle our differences well, the relations between China and the Philippines will stay stable and go a long way. So we're ready to work with the Philippines to deepen local cooperation. We want to build more infrastructure and livelihood projects, and expand cultural and educational exchanges,” he said.

For his part, Gatchalian thanked the Chinese government for its humanitarian support to Filipinos affected by multiple disasters last year.

“Foremost, we extend our deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China for your generous donation of 1 million US dollars in support of the families affected by recent typhoons Uwan and Tino,” Gatchalian said.

He said the country faced a series of calamities in 2025, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and destructive tropical cyclones that displaced thousands of families nationwide.

“These successive disasters resulted in the displacement of thousands of families and caused disruption in the daily lives of affected Filipinos,” he said.

Gatchalian pointed out that partnerships with other nations, including China, as well as organizations help strengthen government response efforts.

“This act of kindness reflects the true spirit of humanity and partnership between our nations. With partners like you, the DSWD is empowered to reach further, respond faster, serve better, and help restore hope to communities striving for recovery,” he said.