The Philippine Army (PA) disclosed Tuesday, Oct. 25, that it conducted a bilateral training with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to enhance their disaster response capabilities.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said the humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) drills were held in various areas in Japan from Oct. 17 to 20.
"The bilateral HADR activities strengthened the defense cooperation and exchange between the Philippines and Japan, which is in line with fortifying the strategic partnership between both countries," Trinidad said.
The PA delegation was led by Brig. Gen Jt T. Bajet, commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade; and Col. Jaime R. Datuin, PA assistant chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs.
The Filipino troops joined their Japanese counterparts in equipment training and lessons which aimed at improving both countries’ ability to respond to the people's immediate needs in times of disasters and calamities.
The bilateral training was a product of the PA and JGSDF's signing of the updated Terms of Reference (TOR) with the Philippine Marine Corps in July.
The trilateral TOR laid the groundwork for future collaborations among the three forces.
The Philippines and Japan are both prone to natural disasters and calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions among others, which highlights the need for its disaster responders — among them army troops — to develop their capabilities.