New City Hall, January 19, 2023 – Consulate-General of Japan in Davao, Consul General Ishikawa Yoshihisa, and City Mayor Al David T. Uy led the blessing ceremony of the two (2) firetrucks donated by the Japan Firefighter’s Association and the government-purchased motorcycles, pickups, and light-duty trucks.
With the initiative of Mayor Uy, the city government sought the donation of serviceable penetrator trucks that would better capacitate the city’s emergency response capabilities.
Consul General Ishikawa expressed his gratitude for the endeavors, products of the forged partnership between Japan and Samal, that have come to realization. He also assures to commit in promoting Samal as key investment partner in the region. "… Japan and the Philippines have been partners in various development projects for years, and this donation is a testimony of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries…I hope that, with these firetrucks, the Samal Fire Department is now better equipped to respond to emergencies with increased firefighting capabilities, in safeguarding the people of Samal…" he said.
Likewise, Mayor Uy stated his appreciation to the donors and the Bureau of Fire Protection for answering the call for help and assistance on the emergency response in the city. Moreover, with the goal of becoming the prime tourism destination in the region through counterbalancing development with environmental protection and sustainable tourism, Mayor Uy, with the help of the government of Japan, hopes to continue the development in the fields of renewable energy, water waste treatment facilities, and bulk water facilities, which were impeded by the pandemic. " ... we have a lot of activities, partnership in the future. Hopefully this would be the start, sir. We are very much keen in partnering with the government of Japan..." Mayor Uy added.
BFP Assistant Regional Director, SSUP RENEL M. BELONIO along with the fire officers, City Vice Mayor Lemuel Reyes and SP members, department managers, and city government employees graced the activity. (CIO-IGACOS/NBC/RConcepcion)
