BALI, Indonesia – Hinihikayat ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang buong southeast Asian region na magkaisang manindigan lalo na sa panahon ng krisis.
Ito ang ipinahayag ni Duterte kasunod ng pagtama ng mapinsalang lindol sa Central Sulawesi, Indonesia noong Setyembre 28.
Sa kanyang talumpati sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Gathering nitong Huwebes, binanggit ni Duterte kung tinugunan ng Indonesia ang lindol na pumatay ng mahigit 2,000 katao.
“Indonesia has taken on the challenge of rebuilding and rehabilitating its communities. Indonesia stands resilient and unbowed in these difficult times. But Indonesia does not stand alone,” he said.
“Your brothers and sisters in ASEAN stand with you. In responding to disasters, Southeast Asia has declared: One ASEAN, One Response. And we have done so,” dugtong niya.
Sinabi ni Duterte na ang pagkakaisa ang dapat na maging battle cry ng ASEAN para matugunan ang lahat ng kakaharaping hamon.
“This should be our rallying call, not only in times of disasters but, indeed, as we strive to move our region forward to genuine growth, inclusive development and one resilient ASEAN community,” aniya.
Sa tala nitong Huwebes, ang tulong ng ASEAN Member States sa Indonesia ay umabot na sa mahigit US$ 1 milyon bukod pa sa manpower, airlift support at tone-toneladang relief items.
Nitong Huwebes din pisyal na iniabot ng Pilipinas ang donasyon nitong US$500,000 halaga ng financial at humanitarian assistance kay Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Sinyo Harry Sarundajang. - Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos