MANILA, Philippines - Exactly three months after super typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, hit the Visayas Region, the Philippine government thanked the global community for extending their help through those trying times.
The Department of Tourism on Saturday unveiled electronic billboards in nine cities around the world to show the Filipinos' appreciation for the help they received.
On its website, the DOT said the #PHthankyou campaign shows that the Philippines wants to say "thank you" for the kindness shown by various nations.
The campaign, it added, shows that "we are Filipinos. We are resilient, grateful, and fun-loving people. And that's why even as we are still recovering, we alrteady want to show our thanks."
The DOT's Twitter account shared photos of the billboards that were put up in various locations such as Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, and Toronto.
Filipinos were also encouraged to tweet their thanks to the world and use the hashtag #PHthankyou
Haiyan struck the Visayas region in November, killing over 8,000 and flattening cities with howling wind and storm surges.
Various nations immediately reached out, providing medical aid, food, clothing and other basic needs to typhoon victims.
They also donated funds to government and non-government organizations for the rehabilitation of the typhoon affected victims.
Here are some of the photos the DOT Twitter account posted:
At Gallerie Lafayette in Paris: The Philippines Says THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/fesrwBhEAH
— Mon Jimenez (@Jimenez_Mon) February 7, 2014 At Picadilly Circus in London,UK: The Philippines Says THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/jOZ0S7Zc6l
— Mon Jimenez (@Jimenez_Mon) February 7, 2014 In Times Square NY, The Philippines Says THANK YOU!#PHthankyou pic.twitter.com/Jw9yUdbKcp
— Mon Jimenez (@Jimenez_Mon) February 7, 2014 ArigatÅ!, Japan! The Philippines says Thank You at Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo! #PHthankyou pic.twitter.com/tTt3KZfkgf
— Dept. of Tourism, PH (@TourismPHL) February 7, 2014 Hello, Toronto! D Philippines says THANK YOU for all ur help during Haiyan! All our thanks to Canada! #PHthankyou pic.twitter.com/JxsjUlSWMC
— Dept. of Tourism, PH (@TourismPHL) February 8, 2014 The agency also made a video they dubbed, “#PHthankyou, The Philippines says Thank You!,†where Filipinos from all over the country were saying “thank you.†The video has so far reached more than 8,000 views.