The United States government, through the US Embassy in Manila, yesterday donated relief goods to victims of the Taal Volcano eruption in Nasugbu, Batangas.
“I’m impressed by your resilience, strength, and solidarity during this difficult time,” United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim told evacuees during a visit to an evacuation center.
Kim, together with representatives from the United States Agency for International Development and World Vision Philippines, distributed relief donations and interacted with the evacuees about their experience since the Taal Volcano erupted last Jan. 12.
The US top diplomat likewise said he is impressed by the commitment and dedication of all the people involved in helping the evacuees at the Nasugbu West Central School, one of the designated evacuation centers in Batangas that houses more than 200 families.
“It’s inspiring for me to meet the residents here and hear their stories… I’m also deeply impressed by the commitment and dedication of all the officials and all the volunteers here, like the doctors, and teachers to make the situation less painful as possible,” Kim said.
Kim announced that the US government will extend around P5 million in assistance through the USAID Philippines partner World Vision and promised to provide more “depending on the situation involved.”
“The US stands with the Philippines, our partners, friends, and allies,” Kim told the evacuees, volunteers, local and provincial officials who attended the turnover of donations. (Roy Mabasa)