The Senate of the Philippines on Wednesday expressed sincere gratitude towards His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for "constant help" provided by the Emirati leadership during critical circumstances.

The development came as the Philippine senate convened for its 57th plenary session on March 10. Speaking at the occasion, Senator Richard Gordon voiced their appreciation for Sheikh Mohamed for continuously helping Filipinos in the difficult times through the years.

Gordan underlined that the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has established multiple health centers and rebuilt 18 schools in Eastern Samar in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. In addition, the UAE provided free COIVD-19 vaccines to all its residents, which included more than 700,000 Filipinos working in their country.

In order to extend its gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Philippine Senate officially adopted Resolution No. 671, recognizing the UAE leader for his “gestures of compassion, concern, friendship, solidarity and support toward the Filipino people in times of natural disasters and during the course of the pandemic”.

Furthermore, Senator Ping Lacson noted the efforts made by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) in the typhoon Yolanda. In this regard, Lacson said that ERC officials came to the Philippines in 2014 and provided $10 million to assist more than 170 cities and municipalities impacted by the typhoon.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, asserted that this recognition by the Senate of the Philippines is a timely gift from the Filipinos to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed on his 60th birthday in March 11. At the same time, it is a gift for all Emiratis on the occasion of UAE’s Golden Jubilee this year, she added.

“Filipinos in the UAE are elated that the Philippine Senate recognized Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed’s deep support for the country through assistance in times of natural disasters and during the pandemic," Quintana said.

The Ambassador said that the UAE has on several occasions praised the heroism of Filipino medical frontliners in the UAE amid the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.