Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has pledged P5 million to aid the government's efforts to address the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

This was announced during TMP's presentation of the next generation of the iconic Tamaraw and the hydro-powered Toyota Corolla Cross H2 on Friday morning, Oct. 25.

In a message, Toyota Asia Region CEO Masahiko Maeda said they sympathize with the victims of the typhoon.

"We deeply sympathize with every Filipino affected by Typhoon Kristine and hope for their quick recovery," he said.

In addition, TMP Corporate Communications Lead Mon Umali said they will also donate Next Generation Tamaraw units to the Office of the President, which will be converted into ambulances. These will be turned over to the government next year.

"President Marcos received a letter of intent from TMP for its planned donation of five Tamaraw units, which will be converted and turned over to the government in 2025," TMP said in a statement.

"These include five ambulances which will be used to support various mobility needs of specific people-focused programs under the Office of the President," he added.

In December last year, President Marcos welcomed the Toyota Tamaraw's comeback, saying it had been a dependable utility transport for many years for Filipinos.

"Many of the Tamaraws you've recently built are still on the road," he said, describing the model as a "workhorse."

The President noted that the Tamaraw brand has been known in the Philippines for decades and is not new to the Philippines or the Asian market.

"We have always been appreciative, especially in the involvement of Toyota in the Philippines over so many years, and I think the mutual experience between Toyota and the Philippine and the local markets has been a good one, and the partnership we can look to as a success," Marcos pointed out.

In February last year, Toyota Motor Philippines president Okamoto Atsuhiro told Manila-based reporters in Tokyo that the new version of the Tamaraw would still have a diesel engine but noted that it would be cleaner.

"We were committed to investing the P4.4 billion for a light commercial vehicle — LCV, that's called Toyota IMV 0 Project. It's the new generation Tamaraw project; we will enter this in the IMV 0 in the near future," he said.

"Basically FR, but the same as the current HiLux, basically the same structure. Diesel, basically diesel engine […] Cleaner engine, clean diesel," he added.