MANILA, Philippines—The Japanese government has donated disaster response equipment and supplies to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
A ceremonial turnover was held on Monday at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, led by Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Interior Undersecretary Bernardo C. Florece Jr. and PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.
Japan turned over disaster relief goods, such as rescue vehicles, water purifiers, and search & rescue equipment, to the PNP. Proud to be part of the PH's disaster mitigation efforts. Disaster preparedness saves countless lives and speeds up recovery. pic.twitter.com/6mlkQqB6an
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) October 4, 2021
The donations included rescue vehicles, water purifiers and search and rescue equipment, the Japanese Embassy said. These were funded through the Economic and Social Development Program worth 2.5 billion yen, or P970 million, a grant signed in 2017.
“They are expected to contribute to saving more lives and reducing the cost and recovery time in the case of disasters,” the embassy said.
Part of the grant aid also aims to support the Philippines’ counterterrorism efforts in Mindanao and the reconstruction of Marawi City.
Last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways inaugurated the Japanese-funded 18-kilometer trans central road project in Marawi City.
Japan, the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance, vowed to continue to support the country’s development efforts.