‘Kasama [Ninyo] Kami:’ Japan Expresses Readiness to Provide Aid for Quake Victims in Philippines

TOKYO/MANILA – Japan is ready to provide assistance to communities affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck the northern Philippines on July 27, killing six people and injuring 136, according to a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) early Friday.

“We stand in solidarity with the Filipino nation in facing these challenging times. Kasama [ninyo] kami,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a tweet.

The Japanese envoy also offered prayers following the disaster.

“We are offering prayers for the safety of everyone following the [7.0] magnitude [earthquake], especially the residents of Abra, and nearby provinces,” he tweeted.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), meanwhile, reaffirmed its “unwavering support to the Filipinos.”

“As close partners who share same experiences being in disaster-prone countries, our thoughts are with those who suffered from this disaster,” it said in a statement.

“In foresight, we aim to work closer with Philippine frontline agencies, such as DPWH and PAGASA, so that JICA’s experts currently deployed in the Philippines can continue to share their knowledge and lessons in disaster management.

“We wish for quick and resilient recovery of affected communities. Kasama [ninyo] kami,” it added.

Japan and the Philippines are both earthquake-prone countries, owing to their location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. - Florenda Corpuz