Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said Monday that his government is ready to extend assistance to Nepal as he expressed sympathies for the victims of the powerful earthquake that rocked the country Saturday.

In a statement, Aquino said the Filipino people join the rest of the world in expressing sorrow and concern for the people of Nepal as they contend with the destruction by the earthquake, which struck near its capital.

"Time and again, the world has come together to render assistance in times of dire need: Filipinos from all walks of life have likewise expressed sympathy and offered prayers for the Nepalese people. Nations of goodwill have already pledged aid in all forms, as Nepal engages in the work of rescue and recovery," he said.

The president said that a team from the Philippine embassy in New Delhi, India is traveling to Nepal to meet the needs of the Filipinos affected by the earthquake.

"More than this, the Philippine government will be communicating with our counterparts in Nepal to offer assistance. We are prepared to, and consequently taking steps to, render aid to the maximum of our limitations," he said.

"In this time of great loss, Nepal is not alone. We are confident that, with the help of the entire world, they will be able to overcome this calamity," Aquino added.

Death toll from the 7.9-magnitude earthquake has increased to over 3,200 people.

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