African Diplomats in Tokyo Donate to Typhoon Yolanda
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez (4th from left), with Consul General Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio (left) and Minister Angelica C. Escalona (right), receives the donation of the African Diplomatic Corps and the Association of the Wives of African Ambassadors
On 5 February 2014, the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) in Tokyo, represented by Ambassador Stuart H. Comberbach of Zimbabwe, Dean of the ADC, Ambassador Ahmed Araita Ali of Djibouti, Ambassador Samir Arrour of Morocco, Ambassador Richard Ramoeletsi of Lesotho, Ambassador Francois Oubida of Burkina Faso, Ambassador Youngor Telewoda of Liberia and Ambassador Jacob Dickie Nkate of Botswana, handed over to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez the collective donation of the ADC and the Association of the Wives of African Ambassadors for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
According to Ambassador Comberbach, the ADC immediately decided to raise funds for the typhoon victims after hearing the report of the six African envoys who visited Tacloban last month. The envoys, who presented their credentials to President Benigno S. Aquino III in Manila, had an opportunity to visit Tacloban upon the invitation of Ambassador Lopez. They went to see the newly constructed building of the San Fernando Central School and distributed gifts for typhoon survivors.
Ambassador Comberbach said that their colleagues who went to Tacloban were very moved by what they saw. He reiterated the African nations’ solidarity and support for the Philippines, and expressed the hope that their donation can do some good for those who suffered. Ambassador Lopez conveyed his sincere appreciation to the African ambassadors for their sympathy, support and prayers.
