By Civ Alonzo-Cruz
The Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines said in a press briefing on Monday (Dec. 27) that their country vowed to continuously help and support the Philippine government in its efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate the areas affected by Typhoon Odette.
Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in the interview that the government of Israel, through its embassy here in the Philippines, immediately sent relief goods and non-food essentials to the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte after the typhoon devastated the areas. He also said that they are going to continue working with the Philippines in the long run.
He added that the Israeli government is helping in rebuilding medical facilities that were damaged by the typhoon through their civic society groups and non-government organizations (NGOs) in Israel.
“So we sent an immediate response… we prepared—immediately responded. We sent some food, hygiene kits, rice and solar panels to create energy, water purification systems to Cebu, to Bohol and to Siargao. This was very important for us to show sympathy and the close relations and we care about the Philippines and what is happening here. We are now looking at how to continue for the longer run. We are going to continue working [here],” Fluss said.
“On the medical side, we are working with the hospitals here in rebuilding some of the medical facilities that were affected and there are quite a few. Now we are in discussions with the government here – what should be a long term response? I have to say that the Israeli embassy is also in touch with the Israeli civil society which has already seen the devastation and they’re also joining the efforts,” he added.
Fluss revealed that some Israeli NGOs have started to help in the relief efforts of the Philippine government and that their embassy is coordinating between the NGOs and their government in providing support and needs.
“There are already some Israeli NGOs that have started working here and then will stay here also for the long run and we are supporting them and we’re doing this in coordination between us at the embassy, the Israeli government, the Israeli NGOs, and [Israeli] civil society so we are here to stay [in the Philippines],” he said.
To show his support for the Philippines and its citizens, Ambassador Fluss also gave a message of hope for all Filipinos and assured them the continuous partnership and friendship of the two nations.
“And my message… to the Philippine government and the Filipino people is to keep the [bayanihan] spirit, keep strong, and still mark-up challenging times in front of us,” Fluss said.
“Israel is a partner. It is a friend of the Philippines. Israeli people are friends of the Filipino people and we will continue with this partnership and friendship and work together for, hopefully, a better 2022 for all of us together,” he added. -rir
