The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) launched Thursday, Oct. 3, a bilateral training exercise which seeks to enhance both countries’ capabilities to respond to disasters and emergencies.
The Doshin-Bayanihan 2024 is an air force drill that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). The opening ceremony was held at the Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
“This joint training initiative aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of both PAF and JASDF units in HADR while fostering deeper cooperation and reinforcing the strong relationship between the Philippines and Japan,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo said.
Col. Reynaldo Jose Montoya, exercise director, said the training will encompass various HADR operations including simulated airdrop flight training, load/offload operations, aeromedical evacuation exercises, and subject matter expert exchanges.
Montoya encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to exchange valuable knowledge, skills, and cultural insights with each other. He also emphasized that such exchanges will significantly enhance the capabilities and camaraderie between both air forces.
The Japanese delegation is led by Lt. Col. Shotaro Arai of the 1st Tactical Airlift Wing, JASDF.
Manila has been increasing military exchanges with Tokyo following the signing of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on July 8.
The RAA is an agreement which establishes procedures for the cooperative activities that are conducted by forces of Japan and the Philippines while the force of one country is visiting the other country and defines a legal status of the visiting force.
The Philippines is the third country with which Japan signed the RAA, following Australia and the United Kingdom.
It is expected that the Japan-Philippines RAA will facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief between Japan and the Philippines and improve interoperability between the forces of the two countries.