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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Japan donates ambulance to Sipocot: Ambassador Endo Kazuya leads turnover

Japan donates ambulance to Sipocot: Ambassador Endo Kazuya leads turnover

Published Mar 2, 2026 07:36 pm
Sipocot Municipal Mayor Tomas Bocago, Ambassador Endo Kazuya, and Congressman Tsuyoshi Horibata with local government representatives
Sipocot Municipal Mayor Tomas Bocago, Ambassador Endo Kazuya, and Congressman Tsuyoshi Horibata with local government representatives
On February 24, 2026, Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for Procurement of an Ambulance for the Municipality of Sipocot, Camarines Sur.” Municipal Mayor Tomas Bocago and other local government officials joined the event.
Last year, Sipocot’s two operational ambulances responded to 295 emergency cases and 223 non‑emergency cases. With only two units serving the entire municipality, timely response has been a challenge—especially when patients must be transported to hospitals located 44 to 120 kilometers away. The existing ambulances also lack sufficient medical equipment, limiting their ability to provide essential care during transport. These conditions underscored the urgent need for a new ambulance. To help address this, the Embassy of Japan extended a grant of $55,027 (approximately P3 million) to the Municipal Government of Sipocot. The grant funded the procurement of a new 
ambulance that will serve the community’s 68,000 residents.
In his message, Ambassador Endo expressed hope that the new unit will not only strengthen the capacity of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in its daily operations, but also enhance its ability to respond effectively during calamities—ultimately saving lives and supporting the well-being of residents.
Japan remains the Philippines’ top Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor. In 2025, the two countries marked the 70th anniversary of ODA. Since its launch in 1989, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) has implemented 567 grassroots projects across the Philippines, aimed at reducing poverty and empowering communities. These initiatives continue to strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and elevate their strategic partnership.
During his visit, Ambassador Endo also paid a courtesy call on Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, Congressman Tsuyoshi Horibata of the 1st District, and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo. He introduced Japan’s GGP scheme and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to advancing cooperation in Camarines Sur by contributing to the improvement of local livelihoods.
Further, Ambassador Endo exchanged views with Mayor Robredo on ongoing initiatives and challenges in Naga City. He highlighted the significance of this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan Friendship, and emphasized the importance of encouraging the people of Naga and the Bicol Region to deepen their interest in Japan and foster stronger people-to-people ties.

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Embassy of Japan Sipocot Ambasador Enzo Kazuya
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