THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently donated 130 tons of pressed dates worth P33.36 million that will be jointly distributed by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) across the country.
Saudi Arabia Ambassador Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy said the turnover of the pressed dates to the Philippines is part of its annual activity in strengthening relationships between the two countries.
Bussairy told the BusinessMirror that this year Saudi Arabia is donating 4,000 tons of pressed dates to 21 countries worldwide, with the Philippines among the biggest recipients.
“The Philippines is in the top 5 along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia,” Bussairy said, while adding that each kilo of pressed dates is worth 23 riyals.
Bussairy added that the pressed dates represent the latest gift from their country to the Philippines.
He cited other activities they have done in the past, including road construction in southern Philippines, humanitarian relief and assistance to victims of calamities and scholarship grants to Filipinos pursuing their studies in Saudi Arabia.
“Such humanitarian initiatives are deemed as clear message of the Kingdom and its people for continuous solidarity with the friendly Filipino people in their hardship and happiness,” Bussairy said.
According to Bussairy, the 1 million strong overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia binds them with the Philippines. He said the OFWs in their country enjoy respect, welfare and protection.
Meanwhile, PRC Governor Corazon Alma G. de Leon said the pressed dates will initially be distributed to victims of calamities in the country.
She then said it will be used in their activities, including their feeding and nourishment programs, and will be distributed in their food trucks.
The PRC is the premier humanitarian organization in the country providing blood, disaster management, safety, health, social and youth volunteer services.
For his part, NCMF Commissioner Abdulhadi Daquit said will be distributed through their regional offices.
The NCMF was created under the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009. It is mandated to preserve and develop the culture, tradition, institutions, and well-being of Muslim Filipinos.
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos