The Japanese government has granted P3.5 million (USD 60,711) to Ilocos Norte for the purchase of two rescue boats, enhancing the province’s disaster response capabilities, the embassy announced Wednesday.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya signed the grant contract on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, with Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
The initiative will be implemented under the project titled “The Provision of Rescue Boats for Disaster Relief in Laoag City and Its Vicinity” to strengthen Ilocos Norte’s preparedness for flooding, which has worsened due to frequent typhoons.
In 2024 alone, the province endured 11 typhoons and above-normal rainfall. With the funding, the provincial government will procure two rescue boats to boost emergency response efforts in Laoag City and nearby municipalities.
Japan has been the Philippines’ top Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor and has supported grassroots initiatives through GGP since 1989. This latest project is part of 567 similar initiatives aimed at improving local resilience and strengthening Japan-Philippines ties.