I am pleased to join you today in this turnover ceremony for fishing nets provided under Japan's Non-Project Grant Aid for the Restoration and Disaster Prevention to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
As we have witnessed in the past few years, no part of the Philippines is immune to typhoons any more, including Mindanao. Typhoon Sendong in 2011 was one of those peculiar cases then, but that is becoming normal already as we see more typhoons and low pressure areas are coming in this way causing further devastation in the region.
Japan, being also a disaster-prone country, is committed to assist the Philippines in enhancing its ability for disaster risk reduction and management, and have worked together with the Philippines in this field for many years through various ODA projects. But, there is one thing we always have to bear in mind in implementing any kind of disaster-related efforts. That is, we need a heightened awareness of local communities for the prevention of natural disasters even at normal times. Hard infrastructure alone, however solid and strong it is, cannot protect the life of the people. We need a pro-active involvement of local communities in enhancing disaster preparedness.
In a similar vein, one of the ways in which we assist the recovery efforts of disaster–affected people in the Philippines is empowering them for the restoration of the bases of livelihood. Empowerment of each individual, as we call it the enhancement of "Human Security," constitutes an essential part of the Japanese Government's diplomatic policy as well as assistance philosophy. I sincerely hope that these fishing nets, together with other equipment provided under this Grant Aid, will serve to strengthen a source of livelihood of local residents.
In Japan we just observed the 3rd anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami where more than 20,000 people died or went missing. Japan and the Philippines have always helped each other during times of great suffering, and we do not forget outpouring of sympathy and support we received from all over the Philippines then . Let us continue to work together for the establishment of a safer and more resilient society for the future generations of our two countries.
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