International solidarity continues to prosper between the Philippine government and the People’s Republic of China as the latter donates P100,000,000 cash aid for the anti-poverty programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed last Friday, Dec. 16, between DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo and H.E. Zhao Jianhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of the Philippines at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City to finance livelihood programs and strengthen the Department’s anti-poverty and disaster relief programs.

“I am particularly happy that this money will be used for the Sustainable Livelihood Program which is an important focus of our Department. We are trying to develop and strengthen our programs that will create jobs, create businesses so that the poor can stand on their own, as well as, assistance to our community-initiated development programs, disaster response and protective services,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

Meanwhile, Amb. Jianhua assured the Philippine government that the Chinese Embassy will continue to work together with the DSWD to help the people in the poorest areas in the Philippines.

Last November, the People’s Republic of China has already turned over P35,000,000 to the DSWD to help fund recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the Department for calamity-stricken areas. This is in addition to the P60,000,000 donation of the Chinese government for families affected by Typhoon Lawin.

“Again, this amount will go a long way to help our citizens and to show that that this government and the People’s Republic of China are committed to help the Filipino people.  Maraming-maraming salamat po,” the Secretary ended. ###