Japan on Thursday said it is ready to help the Philippine government respond to areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” (international name: Nalgae) last week.
Japan embassy charge d’ affairs Matsuda Kenichi made the commitment during his speech at the ceremonial contract signing of the Contract Package (CP) 102 and CP 103 of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Malacañang last Thursday.
“First of all, please allow me to express my deepest condolences to the victims and to the bereaved families of typhoon Paeng. The government of Japan is ready to provide the maximum possible assistance to the Philippines,” Kenichi said.
Last week, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. declared a State of Calamity for CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Over 1.4 million people in the said regions were adversely affected by the floods and landslides caused by Paeng.
Stronger partnership
Kenichi lauded the country’s strong bilateral relationship with Japan, which he said reached a new milestone with the MMSP.
For his part, Marcos said he hopes for more cooperation with the Japanese government during his term.
“I thank the Government of Japan for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing this important infrastructure development project,” Marcos said.
“I hope to further advance our cooperation in other areas for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he added.
After the signing ceremony, Marcos met with Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan.
Among the issues they discussed were defense and security, building climate-resilient infrastructure.
Image credits: Philippine Coast Guard via AP
