Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss recently visited the Bicol region to provide relief assistance to typhoon-affected communities and officially turn over a livelihood project funded by MASHAV.
In Naga City, Ambassador Fluss met with Mayor Nelson Legacion to extend sympathies to affected residents by Typhoon Kristine and discussed possible partnerships in areas such as disaster risk management using modern technologies from Israel.
Through MASHAV, the Embassy of Israel donated school equipment and supplies, first-aid kits, and hygiene supplies. These donations will benefit 500 students and faculty members at Julian Meliton Elementary School.
The Israeli Ambassador also visited the Queen of Peace Children’s Home and Formation Center to donate food and essential supplies, including diapers, laundry detergent, baby formula, and adult diapers for the elderly.
In addition to the relief efforts, Ambassador Fluss visited the site of the Self-Help Group (SHeG) Community Enterprise in Lupi, Camarines Sur, where MASHAV has funded a livelihood project to empower local women. Together with Mayor Lilian Matamorosa of Lupi, he visited the Missionary Oratorians of Mary Convent where the donated equipment to produce cranberry wine and juice is stored. The project, led by former MASHAV Scholar Nelsie Uy in partnership with Caritas Philippines, will benefit 80 women entrepreneurs from the community.
Through MASHAV, the Embassy also donated sacks of rice to residents of Lupi. Ambassador Fluss, alongside Mayor Matamorosa, helped with the repacking and distribution of relief packs to 250 affected families.
Accompanied by his wife throughout his visit to the Bicol region, Ambassador Fluss explained Israel stands ready to support its Filipino friends, even amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. “There are many Bicolano caregivers and hotel industry workers in Israel, and young farmers from Bicol join our agriculture internship program to learn modern farming techniques,” he noted. “Even in the middle of a conflict, the Bicolanos remained with us in Israel. Supporting their kababayans here is our way of expressing our gratitude.”
MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, plays a key role in providing professional training opportunities to Filipino experts in various sectors and coordinating Israel’s official humanitarian assistance programs.
