Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana thanked the Japanese government for its donation of around PHP46 million worth of humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) equipment to the Philippine Army (PA).

“I was privileged to receive this afternoon HADR equipment from Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa of Japan,” he said in a post on his Facebook page Wednesday night.

Lorenzana said the donation consists of four container vans of HADR equipment which were turned over to the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

It will be eventually given to the PA’s 51st Engineering Brigade which is based in Camp General Rigoberto J. Atienza, Quezon City,

“The equipment which comprised of boats, digging, prying and various other rescue equipment will be given to the Army’s 51st Engineering Brigade – the unit primarily tasked as the standby disaster response unit in MM (Metro Manila) and neighboring areas,” the DND chief said.

These equipment are expected to contribute to saving more lives and reducing the cost and recovery time in the aftermath of calamities.

“While we pray that nothing will require their use in the near future, we are comforted by the fact that our Armed Forces is better-equipped to respond to our people’s call for help in any eventuality,” Lorenzana said.

In a separate statement, PA chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said the donation will further complement the Army’s capabilities.

“We in the Philippine Army extend our sincerest gratitude to the Government of Japan. Your trust and support to our organization truly inspire us better to perform our duties and responsibilities as public servants,” he added. (PNA)