By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Philippine government will extend assistance to the United States after superstorm “Sandy” — the largest Atlantic tropical hurricane on record — battered New York and surrounding cities this week, a Malacañang official said on Thursday.

In an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has conveyed to U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas Jr. the government’s message of sympathies and support to the American people.

“This was communicated by Secretary Del Rosario to Ambassador Thomas Wednesday, at magbibigay po tayo ng tulong through the American Red Cross. Yung figure po diyan, that will be around 250,000 (U.S.) dollars,” Valte said.

According to Valte, the Philippine embassy officials in the U.S. are closely monitoring the situation of the Filipinos who are living in the East Coast which was battered by Hurricane Sandy.

“Nagmo-monitor po ang ating embahada sa Estados Unidos. Bukas po ang mga linya nila. Kung makatatawag po kayo, if you (can) manage to contact, if you need help you can contact our embassy and they will be ready to provide assistance,” Valte said.

Recent reports noted that Hurricane “Sandy” was one of the biggest storms that ever hit the United States. Over three million people were left without electricity due to the rise of floodwaters in several areas.

Last Tuesday, Malacañang issued a statement to express its sympathies to the American people, especially to the Filipino-American communities, affected by Hurricane “Sandy.”

Valte said that Filipinos are one in offering prayers for the safety of those who were hammered down by the natural calamity.

“As Hurricane ‘Sandy’ batters the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, we extend our sympathies and support to all those affected by this calamity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who are facing these difficult times, among them the Filipino-American community,” Valte said.

“The devastation caused by the storm continues to unfold, but we are confident that the resolve of the American people to overcome this catastrophe remains steadfast, strong, and unbending,” she said.