Türkiye envoy thanks PH for assistance to quake victims

MANILA – Türkiye’s Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol on Monday thanked the Philippine government and the Filipino people for sending people and resources to aid his country following a massive earthquake that left thousands of people dead and reduced many homes and infrastructure to rubble.

The envoy expressed his country’s gratitude to the Filipino people after Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez turned over USD100,000 in financial assistance for Türkiye earthquake victims in simple rites held at the Speaker’s Office at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

“You know in an event like this, it’s very good to know you have your friends on your side,” said Ambassador Akyol.

Amid the disaster, Akyol said the people of Türkiye is consoled by the fact that the international community has come out really strong to help them, with 99 countries offering assistance to date.

“And we have on the ground almost 10,400 rescue workers, and of course the Philippines is one of the major contributors. On that note I would like to express my government’s and my personal heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his leadership, for his swift instruction for Philippine authorities to get into action,” Akyol said.

He noted that within 48 hours of the disaster, there was a Philippine search and rescue and medical team of 82 young Filipino “heroes” in Türkiye, braving extreme cold to provide assistance.

In addition, he said the Philippine Red Cross has also provided assistance to the earthquake victims.

The envoy also said he was extremely grateful for the gesture of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Romualdez.

“The very fact that you thought about this is enough for us. And your generosity is most heart-warming and touching in this hour of need. The fact that you thought about this, that you made an organization to make this happen is much, much appreciated, Speaker. Thank you,” Aykol said.

In response, Romualdez said the people of the Philippines will continue to support the emergency and relief operations in Türkiye.

“The Filipino people has benefitted so much from the compassion of Turkish volunteers,” said the Speaker, as he recalled the assistance sent by Türkiye after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck Leyte and many parts of Eastern Samar in November 2013.

“We will be here with you as

Turkey was always with us in Haiyan – Yolanda - and all the other disasters,” Romuladez said.

Also present during the turnover ceremonies were Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Ambassador’s wife Inddri Puspitarasi, Pangasinan Rep. Ma. Rachael Arenas, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Zamboanga Del Norte Rep. Glona Labadlabad.

The fund came from the Speaker’s Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Initiative launched during his 59th birthday celebration last November 14 to help disasters’ victims. ■