Japan partners with DSWD to aid Taal victims

ATM: MoA signing of the deed of donation and acceptance between the DSWD and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The donations will be distributed to the families affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. #DSWDMayMalasakit pic.twitter.com/rA2UFgDxaM

— @dswdserves (@dswdserves) January 29, 2020

MANILA — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has donated safety and survival equipment for persons and families affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region.

JICA Chief Representative Wada Yoshio along with Embassy of Japan Charge d Affaires Yamamoto Yasushi and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista on Wednesday signed a deed of donation at the DSWD Operation Center Building in Batasan, Quezon City.

Yasushi empathized with the victims saying the incident also happens often in Japan, being a volcanic country like the Philippines.

“We empathize with the Filipinos whose lives were interrupted by the explosion. Japan is in solidarity with the people of the Philippines and it is our great hope that our assistance will provide a measure of convenience,” he said in his speech during the ceremony.

JICA has donated 10,000 N95 face masks; 5,500 portable water (5 gallons); 5,000 portable jerry can; and five sets of generators and cord reels.

JICA representatives had an earlier meeting with the DSWD officials to identify what are the needs of those who are staying in evacuation camps.

Bautista, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the Japanese government, adding that he has witnessed JICA’s assistance nationwide in his days in the military. He said that they are truly in touch with the marginalized persons in the country.

“Thank you for choosing us to deliver goods, this will augment the resources that were given to the victims of calamity,” he said.

Bautista also said China and the United States have provided financial assistance for the victims.

JICA, established in 1974 is the primary Japanese governmental agency responsible for the technical cooperation component of Japan’s bilateral ODA (Japan’s Official Development Assistance) program.

The ODA program began in 1954 when it joined the Colombo Plan to assist Asian countries in their socio-economic development.

Recognizing the value of self-help efforts in the context of social and economic development, the primary theme of Japan’s aid program has and will continue to be “helping people to help themselves”.