By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Japanese government has deployed a team of disaster relief experts to support the ongoing response efforts in the Navotas landfill, where a massive fire broke out on April 10, affecting many communities in the area.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said Friday the deployment follows the activation of the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Operations after an assistance request from the Philippine government.
The six‑member team, who arrived in Manila on Thursday, will carry out technical assessments and provide guidance on the ground in close coordination with relevant Philippine authorities.
Through the JDR Operations, JICA said, the team would help local responders conduct site inspections and strengthen existing response measures.
The incident at the 41-hectare landfill has raised public health concerns due to its scale and potential impact on Navotas City and surrounding communities in Metro Manila.
Toxic smoke was emitted from the blaze and has since prompted residents in nearby communities, including Obando, Bulacan, to evacuate.
Tokyo’s JDR program is a core pillar of JICA’s cooperation with partner governments, providing timely assistance in times of disaster and supporting recovery efforts. (PNA)
