MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Senators are sending 2.5 million to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey, now known as Türkiye.
Senate President Migz Zubiri, who also presided over the handover rituals, congratulated his Senate colleagues for giving ₱2,500,000, or ₱100,000, from each senator to the Turkish Red Crescent through the Philippine Red Cross.
The Turkish Ambassador, Niyazi Evren Akyol, was also present in the Senate to receive the resolution and the symbolic gift check.
“The Philippines being a disaster-prone country, we have some idea of the tragedy that Türkiye and Syria are facing, and so we wanted to help out in our own way.”
SENATOR MIGZ ZUBIRI SAID IN A STATEMENT
“We hope that our humble contributions, taken together, are able to offer some comfort and relief to the victims in this most difficult time,” he added.
The House of Representatives also contributed roughly ₱15 million to the relief effort for those affected by the earthquake.
According to a UN Development Programme official during a press briefing on Tuesday before the major donor meeting next week, damages from the earthquake in Turkey likely reach $100 billion.
The devastating earthquake killed 52,000 people in both Turkey and Syria.