The Philippine Army, through the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion of the Combat Engineer Regiment, sent a 12-member delegation for the 3rd Japan-Philippine Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Cooperation Project in Tokyo, Japan from March 3 to 9, 2024.
The Philippine Army delegation led by 51st Engineer Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Jonjie C. Juguilon, provided an update on the status of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) equipment donated by the Japanese government in 2021, highlighting its utilization during the Search and Retrieval Operation after the 7.2-magnitude quake that hit Turkey on February 2023 and the recent HADR efforts for landslide victims at Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao De Oro on early February 2024. The Philippine delegation also rendered a courtesy call on Maj. Gen. Norimichi Shirakawa, JGSDF’s Director General of the Policy and Programs Department.
It can be recalled that the Philippine Army hosted the 2023 iteration of the HADR Cooperation Project which was participated by Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) teams from the 525ECBn, 51EBde, observers from selected PA Major Units as well as reservists.
The cooperation project is aimed at mutually enhancing the HADR capabilities of the Philippine Army and JGSDF on various disasters by sharing knowledge, good practices and lessons learned. It focuses mainly on four disaster types which include volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquake and flood.
Photos from the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion