CANBERRA—Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega turned-over to Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, high commissioner of Tonga in Australia, the contribution of the Philippines to the Fakalikutonga Recovery Fund amounting to $10,000 in simple rites held at the Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra in June.
The contribution of the Philippine government to the Fakalikutonga Recovery Fund represents the solidarity of the Filipino people with the people of Tonga, as the latter recovers from the disaster. The fund was established in response to the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga in January. As a country prone to natural disasters, the Philippines strives to further improve its disaster-recovery and resilience mechanisms. Like other Pacific Island countries, it views climate change as a major security challenge and thus, is committed to global efforts to reduce emissions and address its impact.
During the ceremony, Princess Tuku’aho presented a note of appreciation from the government of Tonga to de la Vega.
Image credits: Canberra PE/DFA