3 cities receive 45 fire trucks

A total of 45 fire trucks were turned over to three cities in Metro Manila — Makati, Manila and Muntinlupa — by the Lions International Supporting Association (LISA) yesterday morning.

During simple turnover ceremonies at the Valencia Circle in Rizal Park, LISA chairman Shoei Yoshida promised to further help Filipinos in every way the organization can.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin and representatives of the mayors of Makati, Manila and Muntinlupa thanked LISA members for the vehicles, which would surely boost their firefighting capabilities.

Yoshida said vehicles, comprising 20 units of ladder cars, fire engines and ambulances as well as 20 handy pumps would be donated to the cities of Makati, Manila and Muntinlupa. Seven of the vehicles — three ladder cars, one chemical fire truck and three fire engines — have already been turned over to the three cities. The remaining vehicles are set to arrive in January.

Yoshida said some of the vehicles were used in Japan but they are "still workable emergency vehicles."

"Natural resources of the earth are limited and they are important. Why not reuse these valuable resources so people in need could utilize them," Yoshida added.

The used vehicles were collected after being disposed by municipal bodies in Japan and reconditioned for reuse in the Philippines.

"The reconditioned vehicles may be utilized to save life and property," Yoshida said. "This is a basic idea of the LISA projects, which is being supported by the Lions Club LCIF Fund and the Niigata International Friendship Association Fund."

The group also transported from Japan some 600 kilos of clothes for Tondo fire victims. They were transported by Japan Airlines free of charge.

Mercy Ong, LISA ambassadress to Japan, said Makati will get two fire trucks with ladders while Muntinlupa will receive regular fire trucks and pumps. Manila will get a fire truck with ladders and a chemical truck.

Japan’s first Lion Club was organized in March 1952 with the help of Manila Host Lions Club. — Cecille Suerte Felipe