On 3 February 2025, Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager (GM) of the APTERR Secretariat, together with Ms. Nattavadee Sraprathum, Technical Staff for Food Emergency Monitoring and Information, and Ms. Passawee Sumalu, Administrative Staff, attended the ceremonial turnover and actual distribution of 4,000 MT of rice contributed by the Republic of Korea through Tier 3 pre-positioned programme in the municipality of Laurel, Batangas province, the Philippines.
(L-R) Mr. LeeSang-Hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, GM of the APTERR Secretariat, Mr. Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Secretary of the DA, Dr. Larry R Lacson, Administrator of the NFA, Dr. Diana Rose Cajipe, Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Management Group of the DSWD, Mr. Lyndon M Bruce, Mayor of the Municipality of Laurel, Batangas.
The distribution of 4,000 MT-rice was immediately allocated to those affected by a series of severe tropical storms, including the strongest. ‘Kristine,’ across Region 1 to Region 5, and the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD)’s programme of the Family Food Pack (FFP), benefitting over 380,000 people nationwide.
During the event, the GM of the APTERR Secretariat expressed hope that the rice distributed would provide essential relief to the beneficiaries, support their daily needs and help them recover and rebuild stronger. He reaffirmed APTERR’s commitment to working closely with the National Food Authority (NFA) and DSWD as well as APTERR members to enhance food security through preparedness and timely responses.
Meanwhile, Mr. Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), on behalf of the Government of the Philippines, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Korea represented by Mr. Lee Sang-Kwa, the Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, for generous rice contribution and support. In addition, Dr. Larry R Lacson, NFA Administrator reiterated that the rice would be distributed effectively to those in need under collaborative efforts of concerned government units led by the DSWD.
The municipality of Laurel in Batangas province was the hardest-hit area with reports of families who lost their loved ones and properties due to deadly landslides and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Kristine. Many residents were forced to relocate and remain displaced. This rice distribution not only served as a swift emergency response but also a big leap to show an effectiveness of disaster preparedness through the APTERR’s Tier 3 pre-positioned programme.
Photo credit: NFA Batangas and APTERR Secretariat
