Cebu Province has strengthened its emergency response capabilities after receiving a new ambulance from Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI). The formal turnover ceremony took place at the Capitol, where Governor Pamela Baricuatro accepted the donation from Takashi Miyashita, head of TCPI in the Philippines.
The ambulance is part of a PHP 3 million aid package from Taiheiyo Cement Corporation (TCC) of Japan, intended for areas affected by Typhoon Tino and the recent earthquake in Bogo City. The event was witnessed by Japanese Consul General Yudai Ueno and San Fernando Mayor Mytha Ann B. Canoy during a brief ceremony at the Public Information Office.
According to Miyashita, the ambulance will help strengthen the province's emergency response capability, especially in providing immediate medical services to communities far from health facilities and during calamities. "This ambulance symbolizes our continued support for improving healthcare and protecting the lives of Cebuanos. It means that help can reach those in need more quickly," he said.
The PHP 3 million aid from TCC is aimed at rehabilitating areas affected by Typhoon Tino and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu last year. In a message from Shinji Fukami, senior executive of TCC, he expressed the company's solidarity with the province's recovery and continued support for those affected.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between the government and the private sector in improving healthcare services. "This is a huge help in our efforts to expand access to healthcare, especially in communities that need fast and adequate medical services," the governor said.
The new ambulance is expected to contribute to faster and more efficient emergency and disaster response across the province, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
