IPOLOG CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 29, 2013) – A construction company from Kitakyushu City in Japan has donated 18 rescue boats and two garbage trucks to Dipolog City in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, state media said on Friday.
It said the donations by the Kitakyushu Goodwill Mission were received by the Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Funamoto Yasuyuki, President of Funamoto Construction Inc. and head of the Kitayoshu Goodwill Mission, said they donated the boats and trucks after learning from the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement — International through Hiroshi Ikeda about the need of the city for additional rescue equipment.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dipolog through Council man Cyril James Ruiz sought the assistance of Ikeda for donors of disaster and rescue equipment.
Yasusuki is optimistic the donations would enhance the city’s rescue and disaster capability to effectively respond to the people’s needs during emergencies. (With a report from Alfonso T. Ruda)