LAUREL, Batangas (PIA) – At least 1,500 residents from Laurel, Batangas, who were affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in October 2024, received food aid from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (ROK-MAFRA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. joined South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa in a turnover ceremony on Monday, Feb. 3, where 100 beneficiaries received a portion of the donated 4,000 metric tons of milled rice.
From October 25 to 26, 2024, Kristine brought significant damage to Calabarzon. The Office of Civil Defense reported that around 502 families or 1,753 individuals in Laurel were directly affected by the storm.
According to the Agriculture department, 50,000 families from Regions 1 to 5, who were affected by Storm Kristine, will receive portions of the donated rice as part of the Tier 3 program of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).
Aimed to ensure food security in the ASEAN+3 region, APTERR aims to strengthen food security, poverty alleviation program, and eradicate malnutrition among its members without distorting normal trade markets.
In his message, Tiu-Laurel thanked ROK-MAFRA for its assistance to the families affected by STS Kristine, who are rebuilding their lives after the calamity.
“This gift of rice from the government of Korea is certainly welcome and provides timely assistance to the Philippine government in its efforts to provide aid to calamity-affected provinces,” Tiu-Laurel said.
Larry Lacson, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator, said they will work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to evenly distribute the donated rice in the affected local government units.
“As approved by the NFA council, the rice will be distributed to the affected communities of severe tropical storm “Kristine” or internationally called “Trami” in regions I to V, to be led by the DSWD in coordination with the concerned local government units.”
For Tiu-Laurel and Batangas Mayor Lyndon Bruce, the initiative highlights the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN members in ensuring food security, especially during times of need.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Republic of Korea for this generous support, which will greatly benefit our communities. May this partnership continue to strengthen, ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry, and our nations remain resilient in times of crisis.” (PB-PIA4A/DA-AFID)
