Press Releases
Exchange of Notes concerning the provision of heavy machinery for disaster recovery to the Republic of the Philippines (Grant Aid “Economic and Social Development Program”) (Intended to contribute to disaster recovery)
November 3, 2023
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On Novermber 3, during the Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting held in Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines, in the presence of Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos, President of the Republic of the Philippines, the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes was held between Mr. KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines, and Hon. Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, concerning Grant Aid “Economic and Social Development Program” for the provision of heavy machinery for disaster recovery up to 957 million yen.
- The Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia with the most natural disasters, and strengthening the country's capacity for early post-disaster recovery, such as the maintenance of heavy machinery, is an urgent issue. In Cotabato City, Mindanao, which was damaged by Typhoon Paeng (international name Nalgae) in October 2022, the lack of heavy machinery (bulldozers and trucks) to remove soil from roads and bridges and collapsed houses prevented rapid restoration of transportation infrastructure. As a result, the lives of local residents who could not receive food and supplies promptly were put in danger.
- This Program is expected to contribute to the country's economic and social development through social stabilization by strengthening the country's capacity for disaster prevention and recovery through the provision of disaster prevention and recovery equipment, including products manufactured by Japanese companies.