On 28 August 2024, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary NISHIMURA Tokiko attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for Provision of an Ambulance in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.” Municipal Mayor Hermenegildo C. Culpa and other local government officials were present during the event.
The Municipality of Padre Burgos relied on a single ambulance to respond to medical emergencies and disasters. Due to heavy use, the vehicle was in dilapidated condition and had accumulated excessive mileage, necessitating replacement.
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of USD 41,242 or approximately PHP 2 million to the Municipal Government of Padre Burgos. The grant covers the procurement of a new ambulance that would serve the community’s 11,000 residents.
In her message, Ms. NISHIMURA expressed hope that the new ambulance would enhance the capabilities of both the Rural Health Unit and the community hospital in providing daily services and emergency response during and after calamities.
Japan is the Philippines’ top official development assistance (ODA) donor, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the ODA. The Government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and empower communities through grassroots initiatives. To date, the GGP has implemented 562 grassroots projects. Japan believes these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
