PH Embassy Hands Over Philippines’ Monetary Donation for Chile’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Programs

(L-R) Minister and Consul General Jim Tito B. San Agustin, Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, Ambassador Patricio Powell, CHL MFA’s Asia Pacific Division (DIRAPAC) Director, and Mr. Sebastian Canales, DIRAPAC First Secretary

SANTIAGO 01 August 2023 – Philippine Ambassador to Chile Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat met with Ambassador Patricio Powell, Director for the Asia-Pacific Division (DIRAPAC) of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to officially confirm the receipt by the Ministry of the Interior of Chile of the Philippine Government’s monetary donation as part of the ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and Chile on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and in light of recent calamities experienced by Chile. 

The Philippines and Chile are both vulnerable to natural disasters, and both lie within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Chile had to contend with deadly wildfires early this year, as well as heavy flooding in many areas due the recent spate of torrential rains.  On the other hand, the Philippines is frequented by at least five destructive typhoons yearly. In light of these frequent natural threats, both countries successfully negotiated and concluded an MOU on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in November 2015. END

For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.