Prime Minister Chung Hong-won has ordered the government to provide more support to the typhoon-devastated Philippines.
Speaking at a meeting of officials at the Office of the Prime Minister Thursday, Chung said, “The Philippines is a close ally of South Korea which fought in the Korean War (1950-53), a home country of mothers of multicultural families here and a precious partner for shared growth.
“We should do our best to help the Filipinos to stand on their own feet again,” he said.
The prime minister said that in addition to the US$5 million in relief aid, the government should "mobilize every possible means" to help the Filipinos, such as the Official Development Assistance program.
On Tuesday, the government announced plans to offer $5 million in relief aid and send a 40-member Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) to the Southeast Asian country for medical and rescue work.
Super Typhoon Haiyan pounded the central Philippines on Nov. 8, which, according to the Philippine authorities, left 2,344 dead as of Nov. 13 and staggering destruction in its wake.
