Japan provides rescue boats to Ilocos Norte

On 01 October 2026, Minister for Economic Affairs YOKOTA Naobumi attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for the Provision of Rescue Boats for Disaster Relief in Laoag City and Its Vicinity, Ilocos Norte.” This project was approved in 2024 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). In attendance were Provincial Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, Laoag City Mayor James Bryan Alcid, and other local government officials.

Each year, the Province of Ilocos Norte experiences recurring losses and devastation from frequent typhoons.  In 2024, it was reported that the province prioritized deploying five (5) rescue boats to the most vulnerable and remote coastal areas. The immediate provision of assistance has proven difficult due to their distance from the Emergency Disaster Response Division in Laoag City. 

However, the existing fleet is insufficient, particularly during severe tropical cyclones and widespread flooding. Cities and municipalities such as Laoag and San Nicolas also require additional rescue assets to support search-and-rescue, evacuation, and relief operations. Laoag City, in particular, is highly vulnerable to flooding, as the Padsan River runs through the city center. During major weather disturbances, the demand for rescue and emergency response assets can quickly exceed the province’s existing capacity. 
 
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of USD 60,711 or approximately PHP 3 million (※1) to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. The grant covers the procurement of two new rescue boats to enhance the safety and security of the residents of Laoag City and its surrounding municipalities. 

In his message, Minister Yokota expressed his hopes that the new rescue boats would enhance the capabilities of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in providing daily services and emergency response during and after calamities.  

As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and empower communities through grassroots initiatives. To date, the GGP has implemented 569 grassroots projects. Moreover, these initiatives continue to serve as vital bridges in strengthening the friendship between Japan and the Philippines, and contribute to sustaining the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

(※1) Dollar Rate 1 USD = PHP 57.65 (as of December 9, 2024).