Japan hails Cebu City help

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama accepted last Sunday the certificate of recognition given by the Japanese government to the city for helping the disaster victims in Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe personally handed over the certificate to Rama.

Last Sunday marks the first year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan, immediately sparking a nuclear crisis.

Rama said that the city was the only local government unit recognized while the rest are national government agency and a group of doctors, among others.

The awarding was held at the Quezon Hall and UP Academic Oval of the University of the Philippines–Diliman campus.

Rama said the city was recognized for helping in the recovery effort after the March 11, 2011 earthquake.

The city government also turned over P3 million in cash assistance.

A Cebu-based Japanese company, Toyoflex, also donated P1.1 million that was raised through donations taken out from the pockets of the employees.

Toyoflex also donated 5,000 “Ganbare” T-Shirts.

“Ganbare” is a Nihongo word for ‘fight’. “Ganbare Japan” is to encourage the Japanese not to give up amid the disasters that hit them.

During last Sunday’s ceremony, Urabe expressed gratitude to the Philippines for the country’s contribution to the recovery effort.

Urabe specially mentioned the Filipino nurses who did not leave the hospitals and continue helping the disaster victims despite the threats of radiation.  (FREEMAN)