20 December 2013 - The Government of Botswana donated five (5) units of lightweight trucks to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a simple ceremony held on December 17 at the National Relief Operations Center, Paranaque City. The trucks were donated to help relief and rehabilitation workers transport relief goods and reconstruction materials  to the victims of  Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Mr. Pule Mphohwe, Deputy Chief of Mission of  the Embassy of Botswana in Tokyo, turned over  five (5) Isuzu trucks  (valued at PhP 5 million)  to Mr. Restituto B. Macuto, Director for the Disaster Risk Reduction Operation Office of the DSWD. The  event was also attended by representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Botswana’s Honorary Consul to the Philippines and Isuzu Gencars.

President Benigno S. Aquno III conveyed the Philippine Government’s appreciation to the Botswanan Government’s donation which will help in the government’s relief and rehabilitation efforts. “The Philippines is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the international community. I particularly would like to thank the government of Botswana  for its kind donation of five (5) units of light truck vehicles which would help relief and rehabilitation workers transport relief goods to the victims of  Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan),”  the President said in a statement.

Botswana has always been quick in conveying its sympathy to the Philippines whenever a calamity hits the country.  END