To support a rapid emergency response, APTERR Secretariat General Manager Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn joined the ceremonial handover and actual distribution of 400-MT rice, contributed by the Republic of Korea under Tier 3 programme, in Legazpi City, Albay Province, the Philippines on 14 August 2026.
The 400-MT rice assistance, distributed through the Philippines’ Family Food Pack (FFP) programme, will help safeguard food security for families affected by the ongoing Mayon Volcano eruption in Albay Province, home of the country’s most active volcano, as well as the recent strong magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Mindanao Island, claiming lives and causing widespread damage in several regions.
The ceremony was attended by Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) Leo Quintilla; DSWD Bicol Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Michael Gerome Bellena, CPA; National Food Authority (NFA) Regional Director Rodrigo O. Embate, Jr.; representatives from local government units; and hundreds of beneficiaries.
Every year, the Philippines experiences a series of catastrophic disasters that affect thousands of families and further exacerbate food insecurity. Against this backdrop, APTERR continues to work closely with its national partners in strengthening emergency preparedness and timely response in the Philippines.
“As a regional permanent food security mechanism established under the collective cooperation of the ten ASEAN Member States, together with Japan, China, and Korea, APTERR has been working closely with the Philippines’ NFA, along with the DSWD and the local governmental units, to provide rapid rice assistance through FFP programme, ensuring that affected families have sufficient food supplies to meet their essential needs and support their recovery from hardship,” said Dr. Choomjet.
With the generous contribution of the Korean government, the 400-MT rice had been pre-positioned at NFA’s warehouse since early this year, enabling its swift release when emergencies occurred. The rice assistance would help alleviate the suffering of more than 66,000 families who were affected by volcano eruption and earthquakes not only in the province of Albay, but also across Region II, III, IV, V, XI and XII.
The timely release demonstrates the value of preparedness in addressing emergency response and underscores the unwavering commitment of the APTERR to stand by the Philippines in the time of crises.
Video credit: NFA and DSWD
