As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, overseas Chinese and foreign nationals of Chinese descent had donated more than 1.1 billion yuan in cash and goods for the relief effort since the May 12 earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Ma Rupei, deputy head of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Monday at a press conference that the office will properly manage, use and supervise the relief funds to protect the interests of the donors, recipients and beneficiaries.

The office plans to build 100 hospitals and 100 schools in the affected areas within three to five years, the official said.

The May 12 earthquake has killed 69,019 people, according to the State Council Information Office.

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2008)