LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) -- Representatives of the Japanese government and ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) officially turned over Thursday the 300 metric tons or 10,000 bags of milled rice for the families affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

Albay Governor Edcel Lagman and the mayors of the affected municipalities received the assistance from Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, APTERR Secretariat General Manager Choomjet Karnjanakesorn and Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries representative Akinori Ando.

“I am delighted to turn over 300 metric tons of rice from Japan under the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR). This ceremony attests to Japan’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation in tackling urgent issues and reaching out to more people in need,” Daisuke said during the ceremonial turnover.

APTERR is a regional cooperation scheme aimed at strengthening food security and reducing poverty within the ASEAN member states, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and Republic of Korea.

Daisuke expressed the readiness of the Japanese government to assist the Philippines especially in times of calamities and in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrusts on agriculture.

"Today, we are assisting the families affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay. I sincerely hope that these sacks of rice from Japan will benefit as many people as possible and serve as a source of revitalization, while also contributing to addressing the prioritized agenda of President Marcos's administration for overcoming the agricultural challenges," Daisuke said.

Daisuke also expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership of Japan and the Philippines, citing the country’s assistance after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011.

"(The Filipinos) always help us, too, (especially) when the great earthquake hit Japan in 2011. We are very grateful for the help of the Philippines. That is why we are here now to render a helping hand to you. This is one of our commitments to every Filipino, especially to the people of Albay," he added. 

Daisuke made special mention of the Philippine Information Agency as the Japanese embassy’s partner in disseminating its activities and programs in the country.

Lagman expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and ASEAN program for the donation, noting the strength of collective efforts and solidarity that goes beyond global boundaries and differences.

"The ceremonial turnover of the rice reserve showcases how nations can come together, extending a helping hand across borders and boundaries, regardless of differences," Lagman said in his acceptance speech.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Michael Cristopher Mathay welcomed the much-needed assistance to secure the welfare and safety of the affected families.

“We are already on our 70th day of Mayon operations and we are very thankful that donations are still coming in,” he said. 

Benjamin Nocido was one of the elderly evacuees who witnessed the turnover ceremonies and received his share of the Japanese dole. The 76-year old beneficiary from Barangay Anoling said the assistance was a big help to his family considering that their livelihood has been affected by the ongoing Mayon unrest.

"Dakulang tabang ining sa samung pagkabuhay lalong kami naulang maray sa samuyang paghanapbuhay (This is a big help especially that our livelihood was crippled by the Mayon restiveness)," Nocido said. 

As of August 16, Mayon’s unrest has affected 38,396 individuals, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. (PIA5/Albay)