President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the government of Hungary for extending humanitarian assistance to earthquake victims in the Philippines.

Marcos extended his gratitude during a meeting with National Assembly of Hungary Speaker Kövér László.

“To begin with, allow me to thank your government for the assistance that you have given to us for our earthquake victims,” Marcos told Kövér, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office.

The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, has been struck by a series of powerful earthquakes in recent weeks.

On Oct. 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, followed hours later by a second powerful tremor measuring 6.8, forming what experts describe as a “doublet” earthquake.

Just days earlier, on Sept. 30, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Bogo, Cebu, causing significant destruction in Cebu and nearby parts of the Visayas.

Kövér is in the Philippines from Oct. 14 to 17.

He is expected to visit Cebu to meet with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Hungarian Honorary Consul in Cebu Enrilen Joy Benedicto-Tan.

He is also scheduled to attend the Hungarian National Day reception as guest of honor, as well as meet with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and members of the Senate’s Philippines-Hungary Friendship Group.

The Philippines and Hungary established formal diplomatic relations on Sept. 28, 1973.

Hungary currently serves as home to around 11,200 Filipinos working in the host country. (PNA)