In implementation of the generous directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has provided financial and in-kind assistance to the Republic of the Philippines as part of the Kingdom's initiative to support relief and emergency work in Marawi City and to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in all regions of the Republic of the Philippines. This is a continuation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's humanitarian and relief efforts to support countries in confronting humanitarian crises and natural disasters (such as Typhoon Ray Odette). In-kind assistance valued at $1.7 million has recently arrived, including medical and protective equipment and supplies to combat the coronavirus. The Government of the Kingdom also supported the Philippine Ministry of Health with an amount of $1.5 million to support relief and health emergencies, combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Marawi City, and address the effects of Typhoon Ray Odette, which recently struck the Philippines. His Excellency the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of the Philippines, Mr. Hisham bin Sultan Al-Qahtani, and a delegation from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), headed by Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Moallem, delivered the aid to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, represented by Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Health, Dr. Leopoldo Vega; Dr. Joel Buenaventura, Head of the International Health Cooperation Office; and Dr. Chalmira Racquet, Director of the Amai Backpack Medical Center in Marawi City; and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Lourdes Iparguirre; and His Excellency Alfonso Ver, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Middle East and African Affairs Bureau. The ceremony was attended by a number of officials from the Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs, as well as media representatives. The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
His Excellency Ambassador Hisham Al-Qahtani emphasized that the generous directive stems from the Kingdom's pioneering humanitarian role towards the international community around the world, and its recognition of the importance of this influential role in alleviating human suffering so that people can live a dignified life. He also highlighted the Kingdom's continued support for those in need around the world and its commitment to providing them with assistance.
