PASAY CITY – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Israel after it committed to help families in Visayas and Mindanao who were affected by Super Typhoon Odette.

The PCOO, Philippine Air Force, and the Embassy of Israel conducted a ceremonial turnover of donations at the Villamor Airbase. The said donations which include a water purifier, four solar panels, more than 2,000 kilos of rice, and 500 food and hygiene packs are intended for residents of Siargao.

In his message, Secretary Andanar said the celebration of Christmas is different from the previous years due to the calamity but relief operations and responses have become good for the government because of the help of its stakeholders.

“It is usually spent with so much merrymaking but this Christmas Eve will not be the same in the few areas of Visayas and Mindanao. We want to thank Ambassador Ilan Fluss and the state of Israel for your generosity,” he said.

Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss said that the state of Israel is willing to share and support the recovery of the country. They have already extended help for affected communities in Cebu and Bohol. Now, they are expanding their efforts to help Siargao.

“The State of Israel has witnessed the devastating result of typhoon Odette and the impact it had on the people. It destroyed infrastructure and homes, and claimed lives. We, as friends of the Philippines, cannot stay indifferent,” he said.

“We are also looking for long-term [aid] to see what we can do in the rehabilitation of medical centers together with other organizations. We are here to partner with you as a symbol and a gesture of friendship to send a message that we are together on this,” he added.

###