Korea donates rice to disaster-hit regions in Mindanao

THE REPUBLIC of Korea has donated 10,000 bags of milled rice, equivalent to 400 metric tons (MT), to disaster-hit areas in the regions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Davao in southern Philippines.

Beneficiaries are those affected by flooding and landslides caused by the shear line and low-pressure area in recent months.

“I am very much pleased to turn over the 400 MT of rice to the Philippines through the APTERR (ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve) program, and hope that these sacks of rice will give the affected people renewed hope and strength,” Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul said in a statement on Tuesday following the turnover ceremony held in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

“This gift of generosity is essential and truly immeasurable as the affected people move forward towards recovery and rehabilitation,” National Food Authority Administrator Roderico R. Bioco said.

Under the APTERR Tier 3 Program, Korea is the biggest contributor of rice, with a total donation of 19,000 MT, including 2,750 MT given to the Philippines since 2017.

Korea will be hosting the 11th Meeting of the APTERR Council from April 25 to 26 in Seoul. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan