JAPAN is set to turn over heavy equipment and electric vehicles this month to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.
In a statement from the Finance Department, the agency’s International Finance Group (IFG) reported that Japan will turn over 27 units of heavy machinery and other equipment to the Philippine government this month.
Tokyo’s donation of heavy equipment is part of its ¥2.5-billion (P1.22 billion) grant under the Philippine-Japan Economic and Social Development Program, which includes support for the reconstruction of the city as well as the provision of coastal monitoring radars to the Philippine Coast Guard.
Aside from this, the IFG also reported that 200 electric vehicles from the Energy Department’s project funded by Asian Development Bank will also by turned over to “help provide livelihood opportunities for residents in the conflict-torn city.”
During a Feb. 12 meeting between Japanese and Philippine representatives in Cebu City, Hiroto Izumi, who chaired the Japanese delegation, said the turnover of heavy equipment “would be a symbol of Japan’s strong commitment for the reconstruction of Marawi and demonstrate the robust bond between our two countries.”
Mr. Izumi also confirmed that Japan will be constructing shelter and community infrastructure for Marawi City residents.
The Philippine delegation, led by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, III and Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, thanked the Japanese government, both “for its enduring support for Mindanao and for its strong commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.”
The five-month battle between the military and Islamic State-linked militants left Marawi City in ruins and 168 members of the security forces and 87 civilians dead, displacing 1.1 million residents. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal
