Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez turns over a P10-million check to Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon as humanitarian assistance of the House of Representatives for earthquake victims in Turkey. The amount was raised from voluntary contributions of lawmakers.
THE House of Representatives on Tuesday donated an additional P10 million in humanitarian aid to thousands of earthquake victims in Turkey.
The donation was made through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). The amount was in addition to the $100,000 the House, through Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, turned over to Turkey’s Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol on Monday.
The $100,000 (about P5.5 million) came from the Speaker’s Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Initiative, while the P10 million was raised from voluntary contributions from House members.
Speaker Romualdez, Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez of Tingog Party-list, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Senior Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Reps. Toby Tiangco, Jayjay Suarez, Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan and other lawmakers, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco, and former Zamboanga Zibugay Rep. Sharky Palma, turned over the additional assistance.
Former senator Richard Gordon, who is PRC chairman and chief executive officer, received the donation for Turkey’s earthquake victims.
“On this day of love and compassion, we show our love and appreciation to the people of Turkey who helped us, together with friends and other allies, when we needed it most. We understand and feel what they are going through, and we are praying for them,” Romualdez said.
Turkey was among the first responders in the aftermath of the widespread devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte and other parts of Eastern Visayas in November 2013.
Ambassador Aykol has extended his gratitude for the humanitarian aid given by the House for his quake-stricken compatriots.
“You know, in an event like this, it’s very good to know you have your friends on your side,” he said during Monday’s turnover ceremony at the House of Representatives.
