|
Outpouring
of Support from Switzerland for Typhoon Victims
6 October 2009 – The Philippine Embassy in Berne reported to the
Department of Foreign Affairs on the outpouring of support for the
Philippines from almost all sectors of society in Switzerland for the
victims of typhoon, “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”
The Swiss Government already made available to the Philippine National
Red Cross the amount of 250,000 Swiss Francs (US$240,000).
Caritas Switzerland allotted US$200,000 for the distribution of food
products while Medicins San Frontieres (Doctors without Frontiers)
Switzerland sent two teams of doctors. Swiss Red Cross is ensuring
emergency aid (shelters, household objects, food) amounting to
US$300,000.00.
Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro collaborated
with the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) based in Zurich led by
its President Martin Kuenzler of Credit Suisse, and the Philippine
Country Officer Martin Kurer of Poledna Boss Kurer Law Firm, requesting
Swiss companies active in the Philippines for contributions to the aid
operations including clean water, food, candles, medicines, among
others.
SACC is a private, non-profit association aimed at promoting economic
and business relations between Switzerland and Southeast Asia based on
reciprocal benefit. The Chamber is composed of CEOs of Swiss companies
doing business in Southeast Asia.
SACC is also cooperating with Swiss Solidarity (Glueckskette), a
prominent Swiss institution managed by Swiss mainstream media on the
same efforts. The Philippine Swiss Business Council based in Manila
also expressed support of SACC’s initiative.
“This is the first time that the Swiss business sector in Switzerland
mobilized its membership for such an endeavor in coordination with the
other NGOs and it is very heartening that all sectors of the Swiss
society are giving their support to the Philippines in our times of
need,” Ambassador Lazaro said.
|
