France thanks Filipinos for heartfelt messages following Notre-Dame fire

The French government on Tuesday thanked Filipinos for their heartfelt messages following the massive fire that gutted parts of the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

“French President Macron has vowed to rebuild this iconic 850-year old UNESCO world heritage landmark,” the embassy of France said in a statement. “The Embassy of France in Manila would like to thank our friends in the Philippines for their heartfelt messages.”

"We will rebuild Notre-Dame because this is what the French expect, because this is what our history deserves, because it is our destiny," Macron told reporters.

The fire hit the 850-year-old Notra-Dame Monday evening and lasted for several hours until it was contained Tuesday morning, but not after destroying its iconic spire.

French media said the fire broke out at the end of visiting hours.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said the Philippine embassy in Paris is checking with authorities if there are Filipino victims due to the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Macron said: “We will rebuild Notre-Dame because this is what the French expect, because this is what our history deserves, because it is our destiny.”

The destruction of the iconic medieval structure sent shock waves across the world.

It was reported on Monday that the cathedral was under renovation when the massive fire occurred.

A Filipino student who was among awe-struck people in Paris who saw Notre-Dame ablaze said most of them felt helpless and could not believe they were seeing the centuries-old structure admired by millions of people every year burn down. — MDM, GMA News