Hefty donations from Korea, Taiwan pour in

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' Asian neighbors South Korea and Taiwan sent cash donations totaling over P17.2 million for the victims of the fatal October 15 earthquake and the stricken communities.

President Benigno Aquino III, who flew to Seoul on Thursday for an official visit, said that South Korea is donating $500,000 to the Philippines, $300,000 of which is for flood victims while the rest is  for the rehabilitation of former conflict-zone Zamboanga.

"I was told tonight that they donated first ‘yung sa Zamboanga tapos tonight I was informed tinulungan na rin tayo dito dahil sa earthquake," Aquino had said.

Aquino added that Korea has completed the transfer of one FA-50 jet to the Philippines.

Taiwan, meanwhile, is keen on mending ties with the Philippines after the May 9 fatal shooting incident of a Taiwanese fisherman by members of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said in a statement on Thursday said that the P4.3 million humanitarian support for quake victims is a "gesture of goodwill and concern."

The Taiwanese officials added that the relief will be sent through Taiwanese residents in the Philippines as well as Taiwanese non-government organizations in coordination with the Philippine government.

The count of fatalities from the massive earthquake that shook Central Visayas continues to rise as rescuers pull out more bodies buried under rubble of destroyed structures.

As of posting time, there are over 160 deaths recovered and over 200 injured people mostly from Bohol province.

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