FSM Typhoon relief assistance to the Philippines, Honorary Consul says "thank you"

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Typhoon relief assistance to the Philippines, Honorary Consul says "thank you"

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): December 24, 2013 - In the morning of December 23, in a brief ceremony at the President's Office, Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori, on behalf of the FSM Government, presented a check of $100,000 as a token of support to the on-going relief efforts for the families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which hit parts of the Philippines on November 8.

Dr. Merlynn Abello-Alfonso, Honorary Consul of the Government of the Philippines in the FSM, made herself available to accept the check on behalf of Government of the Philippines.

At the ceremony, President Mori said that as a small country, the FSM can only give so much. However, he stressed more on the FSM's "gesture of support" and wish for the availability of much needed assistance to the affected families as recovery efforts progress.

Dr. Abello thanked President Mori and highlighted the Government of the Philippine's appreciation of the FSM's "gesture of support". She said the amount of money would be used in the most appropriate way in helping the families and individuals who are picking up after the devastating typhoon.

President Mori wrote to Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on December 20, "Our 18^th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia during its recent special session, made a token appropriation to help ease the burdens on your nation caused by Typhoon Haiyan" He also said that "no words are enough to ease the pain and hardship for the loss of lives and property" caused by the disaster.

At the brief ceremony, President Mori also extended his best wishes to the Filipino Association of Pohnpei, which has been active in community-support initiatives, including fundraisers for the victims of Super-Typhoon Haiyan.

The FSM relief assistance is part of an appropriation that became law on December 13, which also includes relief assistance to the FSM State of Yap, the Republic of Palau, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.