China sends practical aid to Cebu as US help bogged down in “paper works”

THE People’s Republic of China thru its consulate in Cebu immediately sent over truckloads of canned goods and drinking water for the victims of Super Typhoon Tino in Cebu City, demonstrating once again its readiness to help Filipinos during times of calamities despite the freeze in diplomatic relations between the two countries under the current administration.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy also sent its “deep condolences” and “heartfelt sympathies to the families affected.”

“The Chinese people stand in solidarity with the Filipino people in this difficult time, and we believe they will overcome the challenges and recover soon,” the Chinese government added.

A post on his social media page showed Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival personally receiving the practical assistance from the Chinese people.

Cebu bore the brunt of Tino’s fury, submerging most of the island province that also resulted to at least 88 confirmed dead, from the total of 188 casualties recorded.

In Cebu City alone, more than 300 houses were swept away or damage by flood, officials said. Some photos after the onslaught showed vehicles piled on top of each other due to the torrent of flood that reached some 12 feet in some areas.

Meanwhile, the United States also announced it is allocating $1 million (about P59 million) in assistance for Tino’s victims.

However, it would be a long time before this reaches the beneficiaries—if at all– as its release and identification of actual assistance to be given out is subject to the usual “paper works.”