CHINESE Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua handed over P7.7 million (or RMB 1 million) to the provincial government of Pampanga to help it uplift local farmers and their families out of the difficulties resulting from a severe outbreak of avian flu.
In his remarks, Zhao said that as a country affected by the avian flu for quite a few times in the past, China felt for Filipinos in Pampanga.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed. We sincerely hope that this humble share of assistance would add strength to the endeavor by Pampanga government and people in recovering from their losses in an effective and productive manner,” Zhao said.
Zhao also mentioned that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang paid an official visit to the Philippines recently, which was the first of its kind by a Chinese Premier in a decade.
During the visit, the two sides firmed up 14 cooperation agreements on infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, finance and so on, which are well poised to bring forth more tangible benefits to the two peoples.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that it is ready to strengthen cooperation with Pampanga, and work with the Philippine side to advance China-Philippines relations.
Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is also present in the ceremony, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the kindness and generosity on the Chinese side for rendering a helping hand to Pampanga in a difficult time.
On behalf of Pampanga, Governor Lilia Pineda said she was grateful for the valuable donation from the Chinese Embassy, which will effectively enable the Pampanga Gov. to enhance its capacity in the monitoring, prevention and containment of the avian flu in the future.
In August 2017, a severe avian flu broke out in Pampanga.
At least 38,000 heads of poultry died from the disease, and 400,000 heads were culled in the affected areas to curb the outbreak.
The provincial government also once came to the point of declaring Pampanga under a state of calamity.