via GRAPHIC PLUS — On 24 February 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for Procurement of an Ambulance for Municipality of Sipocot, Camarines Sur”. Municipal Mayor Tomas Bocago and other local government officials were present during the event.
Last year, Sipocot’s two operational ambulances responded to 295 emergency cases and 223 non‑emergency cases. Only two units have been serving the entire municipality, which poses a significant challenge for ensuring a timely response, particularly when patients need to be transported to hospitals located as far as 44 to 120 kilometers away from the provincial hospital. The existing ambulances also lack adequate medical equipment, often leaving them unable to provide essential care during patient transport. Given these conditions, the municipality has an urgent need to acquire a new ambulance.
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of USD 55,027 (approximately PHP 3 million) to the Municipal Government of Sipocot. The grant covers the procurement of a new ambulance that would serve the community’s 68,000 residents.
In his message, Ambassador Endo expressed his hopes that the new ambulance will not only enhance the capacity of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in delivering its daily services, but will also strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies during and after calamities, ultimately saving lives and supporting the well-being of residents.
Japan is the Philippines’ top Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor, and 2025 marked the 70th anniversary of ODA. The Government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and empower communities through grassroots initiatives. To date, the GGP has implemented 567 grassroots projects. Japan believes these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to elevating the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Endo also paid a courtesy call on Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, Representative of the 1st District of Camarines Sur Congressman Tsuyoshi Horibata, and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo. Ambassador Endo introduced the Japanese Government’s GGP scheme, expressing Japan’s commitment to advancing Philippines-Japan cooperation in Camarines Sur by contributing to the improvement of the people’s lives in Camarines Sur.
Further, Ambassador Endo exchanged views with Mayor Robredo on the existing initiatives and challenges in Naga City. He also highlighted the importance of this year as it marks the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship, discussing the ways to encourage the people of Naga and the Bicol Region to cultivate further interest in Japan and promote stronger people-to-people ties.
