The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), delivered yesterday an emergency disaster relief assistance to the Philippines in the aftermath of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the Province of Cebu.
The arrival and turnover ceremony of emergency relief goods, held at the AVRC Gym, Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City, was attended by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, together with Province of Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, and JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi.
Japan supported the ongoing relief efforts of the Philippine government by providing tents, blankets, plastic sheets, sleeping pads, portable jerry cans, and water purifiers for the thousands of families displaced by the earthquake.
Prior to this, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) already extended support through air transport of relief supplies during the Japan-Philippines bilateral training “Doshin Bayanihan 5-25.”
“Japan shares in the suffering of our Filipino brothers and sisters in these challenging times, particularly when we experience so many earthquakes not only in Cebu but also in Baguio and Davao. We are one with you, and we hope to be of service wherever and however we can,” Ambassador Endo said in his remarks.
Earlier, he paid a courtesy call on Governor Baricuatro at her office. Both officials expressed readiness to work closely in advancing strong economic relations between Japan and the Province of Cebu through further collaborations in tourism and infrastructure.
