The Japanese Government through Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, turned over two (2) units of amphibious excavator- dredgers to the Philippine Government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the donation is a welcome and timely gesture as the agency is currently preparing for the rainy season when flashfloods and landslides come unexpectedly.
The heavy equipment acquired through the Non-Project Grant Aid of the Government of Japan is significantly needed in promoting Philippine Government’s development projects especially in parts of the Northern Mindanao.
During the last three years, Cagayan de Oro City had experienced devastating flashfloods that killed hundreds of people and destroyed millions of properties caused by Typhoon Sendong in 2011, Typhoon Pablo in 2012, and Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Extending the government’s sympathy about this matter, Mindanao received the largest allocation of infrastructure budget this year amounting to P37.58 B or the 24.9% of the whole budget.
At the turn-over ceremony, City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Representatives Rolando Uy (1st District) and Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District) warmheartedly welcomed Ambassador Urabe and his party while DPWH Region X Assistant Director Efren A. Berba conveyed the message of gratitude of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso.
Ambassador Urabe was accompanied by the Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Akio Isomata and Second Secretary, Mr. Akio Yonezawa from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.