The Senate on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution filed by Senator Richard J. Gordon expressing profound appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, for being a friend to Filipinos – both to those living in the United Arab Emirates and in the Philippines, in times of disasters, including the Covid-19 pandemic that is plaguing the world at present.

Senate Resolution No. 671, to which all the senators sought to be made co-author, hailed the Sheikh, who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, for his compassion, concern, friendship, solidarity, and support to the Filipinos.

“There is an Arab saying that goes ‘A friend is known when needed.’ We also have an English saying, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is truly a friend of the Philippines. Upon his instructions, assistance had been sent for various disaster-struck areas in our country,” Gordon said in his sponsorship speech.

Gordon said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is celebrating his 60th birthday today (Thursday).

“It is timely that we show to him, our people’s appreciation for his gestures of friendship by the recognition of the Senate of the Philippines…” he added.

Under the Sheikh’s directive, the UAE, through the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), worked with the Philippine Red Cross in building a PHP19-million worth health center in Dolores, Eastern Samar after typhoon Yolanda struck the Visayas and rebuilt schools, amounting to AED 27-million.

After typhoon Rolly hit the country, the UAE government allocated USD9.5 million for the communities affected.

When Taal Volcano erupted last year, the ERC sent a humanitarian mission to coordinate with the PRC in providing assistance to the affected residents and launched a donation campaign for their benefit.

When Covid-19 reached the country, the UAE sent seven metric tons of PPEs (personal protective equipment) and medical aid that benefited approximately 7,000 Filipino medical front liners fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines.

Filipinos in UAE also deeply felt the Crown Prince’ caring and support after he gave the highest honor to Filipino medical front-liners serving in the fight against the disease in the UAE; personally checking on their conditions; and providing free vaccination to all UAE residents, including close to 700,000 Filipinos there. (PNA)