The APTERR Secretariat led by Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager, together with Mr. Akinori Ando, Japanese Expert, and the APTERR staff, attended the ceremonial handover and actual distribution of 300-MT rice contributed by Japan under Tier 3 programme to assist people devastated by the severe impacts of El Niño and the tropical storms in Leyte, the Philippines.
The event saw active participation from key representatives including Dr. Mario G. Andrada, OIC-Deputy Administrator of National Food Authority (NFA), Ms. Diana Rose S. Cajipe, MD. FPOGS, Undersecretary of Disaster Response Management Group under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Leyte provincial government units and Mr. Hidenori Akasaka, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. Intended beneficiaries, primarily vulnerable groups, also attended.
Dr. Karnjanakesorn emphasised the urgent need for preparedness and coordinated emergency responses to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change and severe natural disasters. He reaffirmed APTERR’s steadfast commitment to supporting member countries in their recovery efforts, ensuring swift and effective assistance.
The 300-MT rice will distribute to about 9,984 households in Region VIII including Northern Leyte, Southern Leyte and Samar. This vital support not only strengthens food security but also accelerates the recovery process, helping affected people restore normalcy in their lives.
