RP gets P555M grant from Japan for disaster prevention

With the rainy season finally here, the Philippines received some P555 million in grants from Japan for disaster prevention and maritime safety. A statement from the Japanese Embassy said Japanese foreign minister Taro Aso and Philippine counterpart Alberto Romulo signed and exchanged notes of agreement on the projects last July 31. “These Official Development Assistance (ODA) grants reaffirm Japan’s commitment to support the Philippine Government’s efforts in disaster prevention and management as well as maritime safety and security," it said. It added the signing and exchanging of notes officially marked the appropriation of 1.388 billion yen (P555 million) for these two projects. The Japanese government extended Y779 million (P312 million) for the improvement of flood forecasting and warnings system in the Pampanga and Agno River Basins. Under the project, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) will improve the main multiplex-radio network, establish a new Pampanga Sub-center and other gauging stations. It will also develop a system collaboration network with other relevant agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The grant is expected to substantially improve information accuracy and provide technical support for improving the system operation for flood forecasting and disaster prevention. A second project, the “Enhancement of Communications System for Maritime Safety and Security," is worth Y609 million (P244 million). It will supply and install communications equipment at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sites to improve and enhance the PCG’s capability for search and rescue as well as counter-terrorism. Specifically, the project will establish Satellite Communications System in 11 stations nationwide, connecting the PCG Headquarters and District Offices. Some 24 stations the Manila, Cebu and Zamboanga District Offices, will also be equipped with VHF/HF Radio System. Also, the project will establish Microwave Communications System in six Metro Manila stations and rehabilitate and upgrade three stations of the Manila Coast. In the past, Japan has provided various forms of ODA to the Philippines , from grants and loans to technical cooperation and development studies. Japan has actively supported all of the country’s major flood control projects for the past 30 years and the PCG’s Human Resource Development and other projects for more than 10 years. - GMANews.TV