Saudi Arabia donates $3.2m for Marawi assistance and Covid-19

The Philippines appreciated Saudi Arabia's commitment of $3.2 million in humanitarian and financial assistance for Marawi City rehabilitation and the Philippines' COVID-19 response on Thursday.

According to a press release from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia — Manila, one of the reasons for the donation is Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), which wreaked havoc in the Philippines in December 2021. Medical and prophylactic supplies and equipment worth $1.7 million have been provided.

The Saudi Kingdom contributed $1.5 million to Marawi City's health facilities. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center donated to the Philippines in compliance with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's directive.

The donation was handed over to the Philippine government by Saudi Arabian Ambassador Hisham bin Sultan Al-Qahtani and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center representative Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Moallem at the Department of Foreign Affairs office. It was presented to the Philippine government by Health Undersecretary Dr. Leopoldo Vega.

According to Al-Qahtani, King Salman's directive stems from Saudi Arabia's "humanitarian and pioneering role" around the world, as well as its recognition of how critical this position is in eliminating human suffering and helping people to live decent lives.

Maute militants besieged Marawi City in Lanao del Sur in 2017. During the five-month war between the military and Maute militants, many families were forced to abandon their homes. President Rodrigo Duterte's term expires on June 30, 2022, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development claims that 95 percent of Marawi City's rebuilding work will be done by that date.