Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya joined local officials for the turnover of a new ambulance to the municipality of Sipocot, a project aimed at addressing critical gaps in the town’s emergency medical services.

The P3-million grant from the Embassy of Japan funded the procurement of a fully equipped medical vehicle to serve the community’s 68,000 residents. Municipal Mayor Tomas Bocago and other local leaders attended the ceremony last 24 February.

Sipocot previously relied on only two operational ambulances, which responded to 295 emergency and 223 non-emergency cases last year. Local officials noted that the limited fleet struggled to provide timely responses, especially when transporting patients to hospitals located between 44 and 120 kilometers away.

The older units also lacked the necessary medical equipment to provide essential care during transit.

“I hope this new ambulance will not only enhance the capacity of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in its daily services but also strengthen its ability to respond to emergencies during and after calamities,” Endo said.

The donation was made through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Since its launch in the Philippines in 1989, the GGP has implemented 567 projects focused on poverty reduction and community empowerment.

During his visit to the Bicol Region, Endo also held meetings with Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Representative Tsuyoshi Horibata and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.

In his discussion with Robredo, Endo highlighted the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship and explored ways to strengthen people-to-people ties in the Bicol Region.

The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to improving the quality of life in Camarines Sur through continued strategic partnerships.