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THE Japanese government has given P555 million to the
Philippines for two projects—disaster preparedness and maritime
safety.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro
Aso and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo have signed and
exchanged notes of agreement on the projects.
The signing and exchanging of
notes officially marked the appropriation of 1.388 billion yen (P555
million) for the two projects.
The Japanese government extended
Y779 million (P312 million) for the improvement of flood forecasting
and warnings system in the Pampanga and Agno River basins.
Under the project, the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)
will improve the main multiplex-radio network, and establish a new
Pampanga Sub-center and other gauging stations.
It will also develop a system
collaboration network with other relevant agencies such as the
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Irrigation
Administration (NIA).
A second project, the
“Enhancement of Communications System for Maritime Safety and
Security,” is worth Y609 million (P244 million).
It will supply and install
communications equipment at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sites to
improve and enhance the PCG’s capability for search and rescue as
well as counter-terrorism.
The project will establish
Satellite Communications System in 11 stations nationwide,
connecting the PCG Headquarters and District Offices.
 --Francis
Earl A. Cueto
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