The Philippines has donated USD100,000, or approximately PHP5.5 million, to support Myanmar’s recovery efforts from Cyclone Mocha that battered the country in May 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

The DFA said the donation, turned over on Feb. 6 to the ASEAN Secretariat, is to show Manila’s “solidarity with the people of Myanmar.”

“Myanmar, like the Philippines, is prone to natural disasters, and it is crucial that we help build ASEAN’s capacity to withstand and recover from such events in the future,” Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN Hjayceelyn Quintana said.

“Our collective expertise can contribute to the development of sustainable recovery strategies and the strengthening of our region’s disaster response capabilities.”

Quintana handed over the donation to ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, in his capacity as ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC).

Kao recognized Manila’s staunch support for disaster management and humanitarian assistance in Southeast Asia.

“Indeed, the contribution from the Government of the Philippines today, along with my roles as SG-AHAC, underscores that ASEAN, as a region, stands in solidarity with the people and the affected communities in Myanmar and further reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to the implementation of ‘One ASEAN One Response,’” he said during the Feb. 6 ceremony.

The ceremony was witnessed by Ambassador Aung Myo Myint, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN, and officers of the Philippine Mission and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Cyclone Mocha was one of the strongest cyclones to hit Myanmar when it made landfall in Rakhine State on May 14, 2023.

Its wind speeds, which reached more than 250 kph, affected about 1.23 million, the majority of whom were among the most impoverished in Myanmar, suffering years of conflict, displacement, and economic marginalization. (PNA)