Manila, January 20:
India on Tuesday formally handed over 30 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the Philippines to support relief and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Fung-wong last year. The aid includes around 6.5 tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment, along with critical relief materials such as dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy-duty tarpaulins, shelters, and the advanced BHISHM Cube portable hospital system.
The humanitarian consignment was delivered by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Clark Air Base. The handover ceremony was organised by the Office of Civil Defence and attended by senior officials from various Philippine government departments.
India’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Harsh Kumar Jain, formally handed over the relief materials to Diana Rose S. Cajipe, Under Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Health, Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Office of Civil Defence, and the Philippine Air Force were also present at the event.
In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in the Philippines highlighted that a key component of the consignment was the BHISHM Cube, a world-class, “Make in India” rapidly deployable portable hospital system designed to provide immediate medical support during disasters. Ambassador Jain expressed hope that the assistance would bring relief and comfort to communities affected by the severe natural disasters that struck the Philippines in the last quarter of 2025. Under Secretary Cajipe conveyed her gratitude to the Government and people of India for their timely support.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), stating that India stands in solidarity with the Philippines during times of crisis.
India’s assistance follows the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which struck Luzon Island on November 9, 2025, killing at least 18 people. The typhoon was the 21st tropical cyclone and the strongest to hit the Philippines in 2025, exceeding the country’s annual average of storms. India’s swift response underscores its role as a reliable partner in regional disaster response and humanitarian cooperation.
