China has declared its readiness to help the Albay Provincial government on enhancing its disaster risk reduction and management operation system amid Mayon Volcano’s high level of unrest.
In a statement on Monday, Albay Provincial Information Office (PIO) said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian conveyed China’s readiness during his courtesy call to Albay Governor Edcel Greco ‘Grex’ Lagman held Sunday.
“Disaster management is something we can work out. In my visit to this province I want to send a message to all of you that China and Philippines have been friends, relatives and good partners for centuries. We have overcome the pandemic, we have open our borders we welcome all of you to travel to China, to make friends, to explore, and look for opportunities,” Huang Xilian said as quoted by the Albay PIO.
The Chinese Ambassador also said that China is prepared to send mobilization in case the Albay needs additional support when the Mayon Volcano's activities intensify.
“Aniya, magtutuloy- tuloy ang kanilang assessment sa mga kaganapan sa Albay para malaman ang iba pang pangangailangan nito,” the Albay communications office said.
According to Albay PIO, Lagman acknowledged that Huang Xilian’s visit to Albay will strengthen the partnership between the province and China in terms of disaster risk reduction and management as well as in tourism.
Last June, the Chinese government donated ₱4 million worth of food assistance for the evacuees displaced by the Mayon Volcano and for Typhoon Betty-hit victims in Cagayan province.
