Help is everywhere for victims of Yolanda-stricken areas in the Philippines. And despite the aids of the world that keeps pouring in, Switzerland's government and its people pledged to donate more than P1 billion to assist relief operations.
According to the Swiss Embassy in Manila, its government released an initial P285 million for urgent disaster assistance. But the Swiss national fund-raising scheme attracted individuals, non-government organizations and companies in Switzerland. They are still continuing to raise more funds for the victims. As of now, they have raised P760 million.
Switzerland also offered their Humanitarian Relief Unit to provide assistance especially in some of the most heavily devastated areas in Northern Cebu and Western Leyte.
Switzerland also offered their Humanitarian Relief Unit to provide assistance especially in some of the most heavily devastated areas in Northern Cebu and Western Leyte.
“Currently 20 professionals, medical doctors and health specialists, water and sanitation engineers, shelter experts and logisticians are working round the clock out of their hub in Cebu City,” the Swiss Embassy said.
“They provide food and kitchen sets as well as hygiene and shelter-kits, which are procured locally, to tens of thousands of victims. The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit also helps local governments in providing safe drinking water with specialized equipment flown in from Switzerland,” it added.
According to the embassy, at least 21 metric tons of food packs, medical kits and shelter materials were sent by the Swiss government. They were distributed to the needy in disaster areas of Central Philippines.
The embassy said there were Swiss nationals who were affected by the typhoon. Therefore, they sent their consular personnel to Cebu and Leyte to support contact and search efforts on the ground.
“Swiss citizens in the affected areas are requested to contact the Swiss Embassy at this number: 0917 528 5460,” the embassy said.
