GOVPH

28 November 2013 – The Spanish Government, through the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), sent much-needed humanitarian aid to the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last week via three military planes. 

The planes brought with them equipment for water purification and distribution, shelter materials, tents, medical equipment, medicines, sanitary materials, and a mobile hospital. 

In addition to in-kind donations, the Spanish Government also sent a team of doctors, nurses, and logistics experts to aid in the relief efforts.  This team was composed of members of the Civil Protection of Madrid, SUMMA, DYA, and the regional government of Andalucia. 

The provision of aid for the victims was first confirmed by Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the 25^th Anniversary celebration of AECID on  November 11. 

Her Majesty Queen Sofia conveyed her condolences to the Filipino people and confirmed her foundation´s commitment, the Fundacion Reina Sofia, in collaboration with Laboratorio Normon, to send 300,000 euros worth of medicines for those affected by the typhoon.  The medicines were brought to the Philippine via the military planes that arrived last week. 

Expressions of support and solidarity were also issued by the Spanish Congress, the Assembly of Madrid and the Parliament of the Regional Government of Andalucía.  The latter approved the donation of 157,645.00 euros for relief efforts in the Philippines.  This sum amounts to 0.3% of the regional government´s total 2013 budget for its Parliament, Ombudsman, and the Accounts Chamber for.

Private Spanish companies such as Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), RENFE, Metro de Madrid and Metro Bilbao all have mounted campaigns to rally support and aid for the victims. 

Spanish NGOS, such as Acción Contra el Hambre, Save the Children, and the Spanish Red Cross, are working towards getting additional aid to the Philippines and have been instrumental in rallying Spanish individuals into action. END