THE Philippine Red Cross was the recipient of a new food truck that functions as a mobile kitchen donated by the South Korean government. Participating at the turnover ceremony on May 26 were Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla. The truck will complement the rapid response effort by the PRC during its operations in times of disaster, calamities and other emergencies.The donated food truck is fully equipped with industrial-size rice cooker, warmers, oven and burners. It is designed to provide on- site meals for the victims of disasters and calamities with no access to their homes or cooking facilities. Addressing the need for food is an immediate concern for these unfortunate persons.In turning over the ceremonial key of the food truck to PRC Chairman and CEO Riachard J. Gordon, Korean Ambassador Kim Inchul stated that.'Bayanihan is at the heart of Korea's assistance for the Filipino people, in particular for those affected by natural disasters or in predicament. Korea is glad to partner with the Red Cross in implementing its various humanitarian assistance efforts in the Philippines,' said Ambassador Kim.In his acceptance remarks, Chairman and CEO Gordon said: 'We have always been friends with Koreans historically. We thank the Korean Embassy for its continuous humanitarian assistance and trust provided to PRC and we will make sure that this will go directly to the people. We also welcome Ambassador Inchul Kim in his first official partnership engagement with the PRC. Kamsahamnida ('thank you' in Korean),' Gordon said.The Government of South Korea and the Philippine Red Cross have long been partners in humanitarian endeavors. More recently in 2019, the Republic of South Korea supported families displaced by Mayon Volcano's eruption and donated $200,000, equivalent to P10 million which helped PRC extend assistance to thousands of people in Albay. In that same year, the Korean government also donated an ambulance and a water tanker that PRC has utilized for assistance for the most vulnerable communities.
