ASEAN Sec-Gen expresses sympathy on the Philippine flood

Wednesday 8th of August 2012

MANILA, Aug. 8 -- As the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) celebrates its 45th founding anniversary today, Asean Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan conveyed its sympathy to the Philippines following the flooding in Metro Manila and some provinces in Luzon.

“As we celebrate the ASEAN Day today, 8 August, we commemorate what brings us together as a regional community. And as a regional community, we also turn our concern towards the Philippines whose people are currently enduring the aftermath of a disastrous monsoon,” the Asean Sec Gen said in a statement.

He lauded government and other humanitarian organization in its rescue effort to save lives of those affected by the flooding and assured the readiness of Asean to assist and provide emergency relief as soon as requested.

“The Jakarta-based ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre or AHA Centre is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for some response options should there be a need or if the situation is getting worse. As the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, I will continue to work closely with the AHA Centre to monitor the situation and initiate necessary actions,” assured Dr. Pitsuwan.

ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration. (ASEAN)