By Jose Cielito Reganit

MANILA – Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday thanked South Korea for its generous rice donation to the Philippines to support food security and disaster response measures.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the Korean Embassy said it will donate 2,016 metric tons of rice to the Philippines “to support swift responses to humanitarian crises and persistent rice shortages in vulnerable communities.”

Romualdez said Seoul’s timely support to Manila is a testament to the robust alliance between the two countries, especially as many parts of the country are reeling from recent weather disturbances and flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains.

“South Korea’s heartwarming donation is proof of its strong ties with the Philippines and its selflessness to look out for its neighbors in Asia – a reflection of Asian values of unity and community,” he said in a statement.

“The Philippines and its people are truly grateful for the helping hand that Seoul extended to us in our time of need. It would boost our government’s efforts to extend assistance to many of our kababayans (countrymen) affected by the floods.”

He assured the Korean government that the Philippine government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., would utilize the donated rice judiciously and in line with its intended purpose.

“This donated rice will be used as intended: deliver aid to disaster victims and provide access to affordable food in our most vulnerable communities. This is how the Philippines repays the kindness of its allies and neighbors – by bringing the aid it receives to people and places that need it the most,” Romualdez said.

The turnover ceremony for the donated rice is scheduled for August in Manila. Of the 2,016 metric tons of rice, 1,616 will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while 400 metric tons will go to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In February, South Korea provided 100,000 bags of rice, equivalent to 4,000 metric tons, to aid government relief operations following Tropical Storm Kristine, which affected several regions across the Philippines.

The donation is part of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve’s Tier 3 program, where South Korea actively participates as a donor. (PNA)

Published Date: July 25, 2025