MANILA— The Japanese government has recently turned over PHP1.6-million worth of emergency vehicles and equipment to the city government of Victorias in Negros Occidental to “bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.”
The project, funded under the Grant Assistance for Japanese non-government organization (NGO) project, was implemented through the non-profit organization Lequio Wings of Okinawa Prefecture where the donated vehicles and equipment came from.
According to the Japanese embassy in Manila, the donation would provide intensive emergency medical care to Victorias City residents, and would specifically benefit patients in need of transportation to other hospitals in neighboring cities, approximately more than 20 kilometers away.
Aside from emergency vehicles and medical equipment, the project also included first aid training for the city’s emergency response staff.
“It is hoped that this will improve its emergency rescue and relief systems, particularly in the mountainous areas,” the Japanese embassy said.
The turnover ceremony, held on April 10, was attended by Second Secretary Shintaro Ichiki, Mayor Francis Frederick Peralta of Victorias City, Mayor Chobin Zukeran of Nanjo City, and Chochu Awa, executive director of Lequio Wings.
The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in the Philippines in 2002.
Since then, the Japanese government has made contracts for 50 projects in the Philippines under this scheme amounting to approximately 1.2 billion yen in total.