Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed gratitude on Friday to South Korea for its generous donation of rice to the Philippines, aimed at bolstering food security and disaster response measures.
In an announcement made on Tuesday, the Korean Embassy revealed it will donate 2,016 metric tons of rice to the Philippines “to support swift responses to humanitarian crises and persistent rice shortages in vulnerable communities.”
Romualdez highlighted that Seoul’s timely support is a testament to the strong alliance between the two countries, especially as many areas in the Philippines are recovering from recent weather disturbances and flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains. “South Korea’s heartwarming donation is proof of its strong ties with the Philippines and its selflessness to look out for its neighbors in Asia – a reflection of Asian values of unity and community,” he stated.
He assured the Korean government that the Philippine administration, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., would utilize the donated rice judiciously. “This donated rice will be used as intended: deliver aid to disaster victims and provide access to affordable food in our most vulnerable communities,” Romualdez added.
The turnover ceremony for the donated rice is scheduled for August in Manila. Of the total 2,016 metric tons, 1,616 will be allocated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while 400 metric tons will go to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Earlier this year, South Korea provided 100,000 bags of rice, equivalent to 4,000 metric tons, to assist government relief operations following Tropical Storm Kristine, which impacted several regions in the Philippines. This donation is part of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve’s Tier 3 program, where South Korea actively participates as a donor.