Japan donates 2nd hand vehicles for Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA - Japan has donated 20 emergency vehicles for areas in Central Visayas devastated by super typhoon "Yolanda" (international name "Haiyan"). 

The turnover ceremony of "the Project for the Provision of Emergency Vehicles to the Typhoon Yolanda Affected Areas in the Philippines" at the national headquarters of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Quezon City was attended by Japanese Ambassador-Designate to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa last Sunday.

The project was initially announced when a delegation led by Kenji Kosaka, member of the House of Councillors of Japan and President of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians' Friendship League (JPPFL), met with Senate President Franklin Drilon last May 5.

The Japan Fire Fighters Association decided to donate to the Philippines previously-used 20 emergency vehicles, consisting of 17 fire trucks and 3 ambulances.

An additional grant amounting to P8.5 million was also provided by the Japanese government to the BFP for the payment of expenses in connection with the shipment of the vehicles.

In his message, Kosaka stressed that the vehicles will be useful in typhoon-affected areas.

He also renewed his commitment for strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries, saying "he will do his best so that the two countries can cooperate with each other for the safety of their people."

Ishikawa also renewed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of Yolanda and expressed hope that the Japanese emergency vehicles will help the affected municipalities.

He said he expects the two countries to work hand in hand in disaster risk reduction and management as Japan will host the 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai March next year.

BFP's officer-in-charge General Ariel Barayuga, meanwhile, expressed the government's appreciation to Japan. "This ODA initiative project from Japan is an opportunity for us given the current needs of the Bureau of Fire."

Yolanda claimed the lives of at least 6,300 people and injured 28,000 others when it struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. About 1,000 individuals remain missing a year after the onslaught of the super typhoon.

The government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities. At present, 499 grassroots projects have been implemented.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/27/14/japan-donates-2nd-hand-vehicles-yolanda-hit-areas