DFA Auditorium, Pasay City
18 December 2013 

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the Briefing for Philippine Development Partners on Reconstruction on Yolanda (RAY) in Pasay City.

Taking the opportunity to thank the volunteer countries and stakeholders for their relief efforts to  typhoon victims, the President as well mentioned in his speech that every dollar of their funding assistance will be used as much as possible in an efficient and lasting manner, hence the creation of the RAY. The plan will focus on housing, infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, livelihood and business, health, education and services.

He also called on the diplomatic corps and officials present to build a partnership not only out of necessity but of in the realization, that helping those in need must come with the reduction of risks that allow such need and suffering to arise. “Now, more than ever, we must work together to mitigate the abuse of the environment that has resulted, and continues to result, in tragedy, especially for the more vulnerable people of the world,” President Aquino said.

Joining the President during the event were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and other members of the Cabinet.

***