The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines provided a $55,027 (approximately P3 million) grant to the municipal government of Sipocot, Camarines Sur, for the procurement of a new ambulance to serve its 68,000 residents.
In a media release on Wednesday, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya expressed his hope that the new ambulance will enhance the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office’s capacity to deliver its daily services.
“[This] will also strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies during and after calamities, ultimately saving lives and supporting the well-being of residents,” the statement read.
For his part, Sipocot Mayor Tomas Tobago said the turnover ceremony of the new ambulance marks an important step toward strengthening healthcare services in the municipality.
“We sincerely thank our partners, especially the Embassy of Japan, for their support in providing a faster and more efficient response to our countrymen in their time of need,” Tobago said.
Reports indicate that in 2024, Sipocot’s two operational ambulances responded to 295 emergency cases and 223 non-emergency cases, illustrating the pressing need for additional resources in the municipality.
Japan is recognized as the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance (ODA), marking the 70th anniversary of ODA between the two countries in 2025.
