MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government through Ambassador Koji Haneda has turned over 27 sets of brand new heavy equipment to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, representing the Office of the President, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, vice chairman of the Task Force Bangon Marawi, for use in the government’s rehabilitation program of Marawi City.
The grant in the form of construction machineries to be used for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of heavily damaged Marawi City is part of the Philippine-Japan Economic and Social Development Program.
The handover ceremony in Marawi City of seven hydraulic excavators, three bulldozers, three wheel loaders, two motor graders and 12 dump trucks was also attended by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Embassy of Japan Economic Affairs minister Makoto Iyori, DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain, Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano, Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, DPWH Region 10 director Virgilio Eduarte, DPWH project director Madsmo Hasim and DPWH Bureau of Equipment director Noel Ilao.
The donated equipment is a symbol of Japan’s strong commitment to the rebuilding of the greater Marawi area and demonstrate the robust bond between Philippines and Japan.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines through its president and CEO Mitsuhiro Oshikiri also handed over to Task Force Bangon Marawi through Medialdea and Assistant Secretary Felix Castro of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, a donation of 26 Mitsubishi utility vehicles.
Aside from the construction machinery, the government of Japan provided a grant for the United Nations Habitat Program.
Japan continuously supports through funding and technology assistance the implementation of the Duterte administration’s big ticket projects under the Build, Build, Build program.
Japan had earlier extended financial assistance to the government through the DPWH for the widening of 24.61 kilometers of the Plaridel by-pass road in the province of Bulacan.