THE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines and MASHAV partners with Caritas Philippines and donated shelter repair kits comprised of roofing materials to families and communities affected by Typhoon “Egay” in Ilocos region.
by BusinessMirror
THE Embassy of Israel in the Philippines and Israel’s agency for international development cooperation MASHAV, in partnership with Caritas Philippines (Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Vigan and Diocese of Laoag), donated shelter repair kits comprised of roofing materials to families and communities affected by Typhoon “Egay” (international name Doksuri) in Ilocos region.
Ambassador Ilan Fluss personally visited the communities in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, then met with the project’s beneficiaries. Around 50 households received the said kits from the embassy, which were used to repair their houses wrecked by the typhoon in July 2023.
Fluss said: “I am happy to meet the families, and know their stories of hope and resilience. It was heartwarming to [hear their accounts. May Israel’s] humble assistance help them rebuild their homes and help them get back on their feet.”
The ambassador also thanked the Ilocanos for their warm hospitality: “I also extend my gratitude to Caritas Philippines for partnering with us on this project. The embassy looks forward to more meaningful initiatives with you.”
For the deputation, the project was another milestone in the strong relations between Israel and the Catholic Church, which was established 30 years ago.
The official working visit of the Israeli ambassador to the Ilocos Region also includes separate meetings with Governor Matt Manotoc of Ilocos Norte and Governor Jerry Singson of Ilocos Sur, together with Mayor Germelina Goulart of Cauayan City. The discussion focused on their respective provinces and areas of cooperation, especially on innovation and technology, water, and agriculture.
The envoy also paid a courtesy visit to Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) president Shirley C. Agrupis.
“Israel [has earned the title of ‘The Start-Up Nation,’] housing cutting-edge research and development in science and technology, medicine, agriculture, security, and virtually every other field in today’s modern world,” Dr. Agrupis said.
Fluss discussed possible areas of collaboration with MMSU in agriculture and education, among other sectors. He also gave a briefing on the Israel-Hamas war.
Another highlight of the visit was the “International Holocaust Commemoration” and the opening of an exhibit led by the Department of Education at Mabilbila Integrated School in Ilocos Sur. There, Fluss reiterated the importance of fighting anti-Semitism, remembering the Holocaust, and ensuring that it will never happen again.
“Unfortunately, the world is still not safe for the Jewish people. Let us remember the murderous attack of the terror organization Hamas against Israel last October 7, exactly 5 months ago. That day, 240 civilians were brutally kidnapped to Gaza, [with hundreds of them still held in captivity], and more than 1,200 Israelis were murdered—the biggest number of Jews murdered in one day since the Holocaust,” the Israeli diplomat shared with the students.
Fluss’ official working visit to the Ilocos Region was from March 6 to 8, 2024.