26 July 2014 – ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh has expressed sympathy to the Philippines for the loss of lives and properties in the communities of Bicol and Southern Luzon regions in the aftermath of typhoon Glenda (Rammasun).

In his letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, the ASEAN Secretary General also commended the Philippine government for its early warning efforts and implementation of disaster preparedness plans which prevented greater loss and damages to the affected areas of the country.

Secretary General Le Luong Minh acts as ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator. As ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, the Secretary General is mandated to coordinate with the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) and ASEAN Member States to ensure ASEAN’s coordinated response to any disaster in the region.

On August 14, ASEAN, in cooperation with the Philippine government, will spearhead a High Level Conference in Manila to encourage international partners to continue providing support and assistance to the Philippines in its recovery and rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.  END