22 June 2022, CANBERRA – In a simple ceremony held on 21 June 2022 at the Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra, H.E. Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega turned-over to Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, High Commissioner of Tonga in Australia, the contribution of the Philippines to the Fakalikutonga Recovery Fund. This Fund was established in response to the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga in January this year.

The Philippines being a Pacific country is prone to natural disasters and strives to further improve its disaster recovery and resilience mechanisms. Just like the Pacific Island countries, the Philippines views climate change as a major security challenge and is committed to global efforts to reduce emissions and address the impact of climate change. The contribution of the Government of the Philippines to the Fakalikutonga Recovery Fund in the amount of US$10,000 represents the solidarity of the Filipino people with the people of Tonga as they build back better from the disaster.

During the ceremony, HRH Princess Tuku’aho presented a note of appreciation from the Government of Tonga to Ambassador De La Vega. ---END---