Israel donates repair kits to typhoon-hit Ilocos region
THE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines and Mashav (Israel’s agency for international development cooperation), in partnership with Caritas Philippines (Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Vigan and Diocese of Laoag), donated SHELTER REPAIR KITS COMPRISED OF ROOFING MATERIALS to families and communities affected by Typhoon Egay in Ilocos region.
Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss personally visited the communities in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte and met with the beneficiaries of the project. Around 50 households received shelter repair kits from Israel Embassy, which were used to repair their houses wrecked by Typhoon Egay in July 2023.
“I am happy to meet the families and to know their stories of hope and resilience. It was heartwarming to know their personal stories. May the humble assistance of Israel help them rebuild their homes and help them get back on their feet,” Ambassador Fluss shared.
The Ambassador also thanked the Ilocanos for their warm hospitality.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Caritas Philippines for partnering with us on this project. The Embassy looks forward to more meaningful initiatives with you,” he expressed.
This project is another milestone in the strong relations between Israel and the Catholic church which was established 30 years ago.
The official working visit of the
Israeli Ambassador to Ilocos region also includes separate meetings with Ilocos Norte Governor Matt Manotoc and Ilocos Sur Governor Jerry Singson together with Caoayan Mayor Germelina Goulart. The discussion focused on their respective provinces and possible areas of cooperation especially on innovation and technology, water, and agriculture. He also met with Bishop Renato Mayugba, Archbishop Marlo Mendoza Peralta, Narvacan Mayor Pablito Sanidad Sr., and Piddig Mayor Eddie Guillen.
Ambassador Fluss also paid a courtesy visit on Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) headed by President Shirley Agrupis.
“Israel is a distinguished nation which has earned the title of “The Start-Up Nation”, housing cutting-edge research and development in Science and Technology, Medicine, Agriculture, Security and virtually every other field in today’s modern world,” Dr. Agrupis shared.
Ambassador Fluss discussed with MMSU possible areas of collaboration in agriculture and education, among other sectors. He also gave a briefing on Israel-Hamas war, focusing on the recent updates regarding the sexual abuse of Hamas against Israeli women on October 7.
Another highlight of the visit to Ilocos is International Holocaust Commemoration and Opening of the Holocaust Exhibit led by the Department of Education at Mabilbila Integrated School in Ilocos Sur.
In his speech, Ambassador Fluss reiterated the importance of remembering the Holocaust, fighting anti-Semitism, and making sure that Holocaust will never happen again.
“Unfortunately, the world is still not safe for the Jewish people. Let us remember the murderous attack of the terror organization Hamas against Israel last October 7, exactly five months ago. That day, 240 civilians were brutally kidnapped to Gaza (hundreds of them are still held in captivity), and more than 1200 Israelis were murdered – the biggest number of Jews murdered in one day since the Holocaust,” the Israeli Ambassador shared to the students.
The official working visit of Ambassador Ilan Fluss to Ilocos region was held from March 6 to 8.