The United Arab Emirates (UAE) donated 55 tons of assorted foodstuff for residents affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption in Albay province, which arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Monday.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Department of Social Welfare Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, as well as UAE Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi, were present upon the donation’s arrival.

Abalos said that the said donations were too much, but what's important here is the country’s gesture of friendship, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is already aware of it and appreciates the gesture.

On the other hand, Gatchalian said that the food donations would be released immediately, explaining the urgency to give them to the victims today so they could have them by tomorrow.