Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan expressed readiness to visit the affected areas of tropical storm “Ondoy” to assess how the ASEAN can further help in the relief operations in the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of the 10 member countries of the ASEAN.

In a press statement, the Secretary General said he is prepared to visit the affected areas to determine how ASEAN can further help the victims of the storm.

Dr. Surin, who is also the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator, has also made an appeal to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to make contribution to the fund that the ASEAN Secretariat is setting up for the storm relief.

“The fund is also open for the partners and friends of ASEAN,” it stated.

Earlier, the United Nations assured the country of a positive action to the Philippines’ appeal for international humanitarian assistance.(Madel R. Sabater)