South Korea has donated 750 metric tons of rice to the Philippine government to support several areas in the country previously affected by calamities, the Korean Embassy in Manila said Wednesday.

Embassy Deputy Chief Minister Sang Seung Man turned over the sacks of rice to the National Food Authority (NFA) as part of its grant aid under the Tier 3 Program of ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).

The embassy said these would be delivered to the regions of Eastern Visayas as well as Davao and Soccsksargen in Mindanao that were recently affected by floodings and earthquake.

“This is an expression of our resolve to further enhance the solidarity with ASEAN that is a central pillar of Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy,” Sang said.

“(T)he rice to be handed out today will provide essential sustenance to the families unfortunately affected by the recent flooding and landslides in Region 8, as well as a series of earthquakes in Regions 11 and 12,” he added.

The APTERR serves as a regional cooperation mechanism between ASEAN, Korea, Japan and China to help the bloc’s member states establish a reserve of rice during food shortages or disasters.

“Looking ahead, Korea remains steadfast in its resolve to make even greater contributions to the Philippines in the field of agriculture, including continued rice donations,” Sang said, adding that agriculture is one of Korea’s five priority areas for official development assistance to the country.

The assistance coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Philippines and South Korea’s diplomatic relations being celebrated on March 3 this year.

The handover ceremony was held at Calbayog City, Samar together with NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, officials from Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Agriculture, among others. (PNA)