Japan, Philippines conduct capacity building cooperation

Japan and the Philippines have conducted a joint capacity building cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Personnel of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Western Area Command and the Philippine Army (PA) have exchanged knowledge and views for improving each countries’ disaster response capabilities.

The activity, which consisted of equipment training and lessons on preparations for various types of disasters, was held from October 17 to 20.

“Japan is steadfast in its commitment to promote bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges with the Philippines, in line with fortifying the strategic partnership between both countries,” the embassy of Japan in the Philippines said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile, Japan has also started the transfer of air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines under the contract between the Department of National Defense and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for the supply of four units of air surveillance radar.

“This is in line with ongoing efforts of the Japan Ministry of Defense to promote cooperation in defense equipment and technology with other countries, based on the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology,” the embassy said in a separate statement.

The Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) also briefed Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel on October 4 regarding the proper use of the radar.

They also conducted a training tour for them using an actual warning and surveillance unit in line with this transfer project.

“To contribute to upholding and reinforcing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the JASDF and the PAF will further promote defense cooperation,” the embassy said.

“This forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the friendship between the two air services in various fields, in addition to defense exchanges pertaining to air surveillance,” it added. -- BAP, GMA News