Israeli gov’t to donate hospital equipment, tents to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The Israeli government, through its Defense Forces, will leave most of its equipment, including tents, to the provincial government at the end of its humanitarian mission here.

“But, of course, we will coordinate with the Cebu provincial government as to whom they will give these equipment,” Adam Levene, deputy chief of mission of the Israeli embassy, told The Freeman the other day.

“Maybe the provincial government will use (the tents) for the temporary classrooms but it’s really up to them on what to do with the tents at the end of the mission,” Levene added.

The 150-strong Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been in Cebu since last week, conducting medical missions and civil engineering works in operations it dubbed as “Operation Islands of Hope.”

IDF medical personnel have treated a thousand patients in typhoon-stricken areas in northern Cebu.

Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar On flew to the province on Tuesday to turn over $500,000 worth of medicine to the provincial government.

He said the cooperation between Israel and Cebu has been enhanced due to the Israeli government’s initiatives, paving the way for long-term projects.

The IDF is expanding its operations from Bogo City to other areas in northern Cebu to assist as many Filipinos as they can.

On Gibitngil Island, IDF personnel have installed a water cleaning system to ensure safe drinking water for the villagers. – Mitchelle Palaubsanon/Freeman