MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—The Senate recently passed a resolution expressing sympathy and condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the massive February earthquakes that have claimed over 50,000 lives.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led the ceremonial turnover of the P2.5 million donation to the earthquake victims in Türkiye.

Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, was in the Senate to receive the resolution and the check. Philippine Red Cross Chairperson Richard Gordon was also present at the turnover.

 "I thank all of my colleagues in the Senate for pooling P2.5 million at P100,000 each for a donation to the Turkish Red Crescent, through the Philippine Red Cross. And we thank Sen. Richard Gordon for facilitating the donation," Zubiri said.

All 24 senators gave money out of their own pockets to pay for the donation, which was entirely paid for with private money.

"The Philippines—being a disaster-prone country—have some idea of the tragedy that Türkiye and Syria are facing, so we wanted to help in our own way. We hope that our humble contributions, taken together, can provide some comfort and relief to the victims in this trying time," Zubiri said. (Office of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri/PIA-10/Bukidnon)