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Japan triples Philippines aid package to over $30 mil

51 Comments

Japan said Friday it was tripling its emergency aid package for the typhoon-ravaged Philippines to more than $30 million, as Tokyo prepares to send as many as 1,000 troops to help with relief efforts.

The foreign ministry said it would now give $30 million in emergency grant aid to the disaster-struck nation, up from a previous $10 million. Another $2 million worth of emergency relief goods and assistance is being delivered through Japanese non-governmental organizations.

Tokyo said the total package would reach about $52 million including a $20 million contribution to its poverty reduction fund at the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

The major contribution to the Philippines from Asia's second-biggest economy has drawn comparisons to the relatively little coming from China, which is now the region's largest economy and which is embroiled in territorial disputes with Manila.

China said Thursday it would provide a further $1.6 million aid to the Philippines, mainly in tents and blankets, after widespread criticism of its initial modest response of a $100,000 government donation, matched by the Chinese Red Cross.

On Wednesday, Japan said it was readying to send as many as 1,000 members of its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to the Philippines in what is believed to be the largest single relief operation team ever sent abroad by Japan's de facto military.

It is expected to be the first time that Japanese troops are active in Leyte -- which was pummeled by Super Typhoon Haiyan -- since the Philippine island turned into one of the biggest battlegrounds of World War II.

Previous overseas missions by the SDF, which adheres to the country's post-war pacifist constitution, have usually numbered in the hundreds.

On Tuesday, Japan dispatched 50 SDF members to assist in medical support and transport operations, and Tokyo says the final deployment will depend on what the Philippines says it needs.

The defense forces have helped in previous regional relief efforts including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

© (c) 2013 AFP

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51 Comments
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"Tokyo said the total package would reach about $52 million"

I hope everyone who jumped to bash Japan's "10 million" last week feel silly now.

14 ( +21 / -7 )

Arigatougozaimasu

11 ( +11 / -0 )

I hope everyone who jumped to bash Japan's "10 million" last week feel silly now.

Increasing aid package 3-fold shows that initial announcement of "10 million" WAS silly.

-13 ( +10 / -23 )

Great news. i'm encouraged too see Japan play a positive role among its neighbors by stepping up to the plate with humanitarian relief in such a big way. I expect The men and women in the SDF will be able to make a significant contribution on the ground, given their extensive experience with similar calamities.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Increasing aid package 3-fold shows that initial announcement of "10 million" WAS silly.

Yep, like you or me donating to any charity or good cause and saying that's it, I'm done - never doing that again, right? Wrong, it was always just an initial pledge to get stuff moving, as evidenced here.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

@Sensato I agree. This will be good for Japan's image as well and shows goodwill toward their Asian neighbors. China can learn from Japan in this matter, when even Ikea and Coca-cola gave more than the world's 2nd largest economy.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chinas-paltry-philippines-aid-hurting-reputation-20885303

8 ( +11 / -3 )

some14someNov. 16, 2013 - 07:09AM JST "I hope everyone who jumped to bash Japan's "10 million" last week feel silly now." Increasing aid package 3-fold shows that initial announcement of "10 million" WAS silly

A number of thoughtful posters pointed out at the time that because of the scope of the disaster it was too early to make a full determination of needs and that it would increase as more infortion was obtained. So no, the initial USD 10m from Japan wasn't silly at all. The USD 100,000 from China is what's silly.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

I don't feel "silly" for criticizing the original amount. It could be that criticism from various sources led to the increase. Perhaps the government offered the original 10 million and then waited to see what other governments did.

In the first news, the 10 million was said to be going to aid organizations. Now this report says it is "emergency grant aid to the nation." It would be good to know exactly where the money is going since too frequently aid never reaches the people who need it most.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

The USD 100,000 from China is what's silly.

You can throw Saudi Arabia under that same USD 100,000 bus. I don't think either China or other countries are finished giving aid. Well done Japan for leading the way.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

OssanAmerica,

Give China a credit. China has pledged close to $2 million in cash and materials. China donated $80K to the Philippines last month following a major earthquake there. China sent tents and a medical mission Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami and government and public donations ranged in the millions of dollars. Since then, China assisted Pakistan with flood and earthquake relief. When China has suffered natural disasters itself, it has largely handled them on its own. China has considerable capacity to do so and after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, it only accepted token foreign aid. The Philippines offered a medical team and emergency supplies, but China declined that and other offers at the time.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

sfjp330Nov. 16, 2013 - 08:38AM JST OssanAmerica, Give China a credit

Sorry but for a country that's constantly reminding us that it's the 2nd biggest economy in the world and aspires to be the new "Asian Leader". that doesn't cut the mustard.

11 ( +17 / -6 )

OssanJapan,

In 2011 Japan Tsunami, China donated $4.5 million and sent a team of 15 people to help.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Thank you, Japan.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Nice

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The Phillipino people there lost everything, No water, No food. I wroete on ly 10 million but was starter. If they get water and rice, they can survuve somehow. They are not sent to sheleters. No place, no food. They have to sleep in wet groudm too. Worse condition than refugees in Middle East. In Turkey, at least they sleep on dry ground. They have donated food = cheap super market food, maybe. But Phillipin people do not have such food now. Hope people there survive to see UN help approach there.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

what is SILLY is that some feel necessary to criticize or justify - you know, using the quantity of aid as a means to attack a country or those who attack the attackers.

And Japan as THE most developed country by a huge margin in Asia should by all means help out in a BIG way without any fanfare or point scoring attributed by those who believe it's a chance to show "see we done good".

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

sfjp330Nov. 16, 2013 - 08:54AM JST OssanJapan, In 2011 Japan Tsunami, China donated $4.5 million and sent a team of 15 people to help.

That's great. The U,S. donated $30 million, and in addition ran Operation Tomodachi which involved 24,000 U.S. service members, 189 aircraft, and 24 naval ships; and cost $90 million. So there's really no comparison. But why are you going on about the Mar 2011 disaster when we are talking about the current one in the Philippines?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

sfjp330 Why give china a credit? 1.6millions(in old blankets) is nothing compared to the side of china, its almost nothing. NOTHING. They should give more, and NOW

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Nations from all over the world can rush food and aid to a disaster stricken area. Even remote areas can be brought aid by helicopters from a U.S. aircraft carrier.

And yet it was the strongest recorded typoon on record; climate scientist say it is because of climate change.

We live in the best of times and the worst of times.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

overchanNov. 16, 2013 - 10:02AM JST Why give china a credit? 1.6millions(in old blankets) is nothing compared to the side of china, its almost nothing. NOTHING. They should give more, and NOW

Does Philippines goverment show honest transparency to the distribution? The massive international aid effort to the Philippines for typoon has raised fears that part of the funds and goods donated might be diverted by corrupt officials. The Philippines has been long been affected by widespread corruption and is ranked 105th in International's corruption list. Corruption is endemic in the Philippines. It's likely that some of these officials will take part of the funds to redistribute within their own interest.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Does Philippines goverment show honest transparency to the distribution?

Here's a novel idea: rather than sit safely back whereever you are shooting peanuts, get of your tail bone, get down there, and try to help.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

sfjp330, those are excuses, with transparency or not, to government or civilian, it even looks bad so little. its disgusting.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

overchan,

There has been reports from Tacaloban that the distribution area is getting the food and other supplies but they are not distributed to much of the people. There need to be more oversight on the process.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Thank you so much from the bottom of the Pilipino's heart. thank you for your kindness ,God Bless Japan !!

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Thank you japan

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The government confiscates 30 million from the Japanese people and then sends it to the Phillipines. Under what authority is such action valid?

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Thank you Japanese Government for helping our country. God Bless. :)

6 ( +6 / -0 )

sfpj330, There are many ways of helping them, how about red cross? or even Care is accepting help, or give it in Supplies to Japan to give them, there are millions of ways. BUT THERE ARE TRILLIONS OF EXCUSES. Come on, take a nap.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I usually balk about Japan's donations when it cannot even help its own people in the north, but in this case it is truly needed, and truly appreciated. Thank you, Japan, and thanks to those other nations who have donated as well.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Ossan,

US is Japan's ally, of course we would do everything to help.

China is Japan's enemy. Giving your enemy 4.5mil is a tremendous gesture.

In 2008, Sichuan Earthquake in China that killed 80,000 plus. Japan gave China a total of 9.6million. That's a whopping USD$120 per dead. This was when Japan was the SECOND biggest economy in the world and China didn't crack the top 5. And this was when the relaionship between China and Japan was pretty good compare to now.

In 2013, China gave a total of USD$1.6mil to the Philippines when the official death toll is under 2000. That is a whopping USD$800 per dead.

Including inflation, the donation of $ per capita of death is about 6 folds in difference. Not that any of this matter. I just want to put the numbers in perspective. I will bet anything that the Chinese were thankful for Japan's donation when several cities in Sichuan were leveled. Just as Japan was thankful for China's donation during the Tsunami.

To me, every dollar counts. So when someone is giving something useful to others who are in need. We should not criticize but thank them for their assistance.

-1 ( +5 / -7 )

highball7Nov. 16, 2013 - 12:07PM JST Ossan, US is Japan's ally, of course we would do everything to help. China is Japan's enemy. Giving your enemy 4.5mil is a tremendous gesture.

No they aren't "enemies". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Peace_and_Friendship_between_Japan_and_the_People's_Republic_of_China http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/ziliao/3602/3604/t18012.htm Although it appears now that China has decided to breach the letter and spirit of the 1972 treaty.

In 2008, Sichuan Earthquake in China that killed 80,000 plus. Japan gave China a total of 9.6million. That's a >whopping USD$120 per dead. This was when Japan was the SECOND biggest economy in the world and China didn't >crack the top 5. And this was when the relaionship between China and Japan was pretty good compare to now.

Japan offered much more but China declined as they did not want JSDF transport planes over their airspace.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Ossan: This is not a thread to rant about China, it's a thread about Japan's donation to the Philippines.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

smithinjapanNov. 16, 2013 - 12:35PM JST Ossan: This is not a thread to rant about China, it's a thread about Japan's donation to the Philippines

Please tell that to the china supporters, who, obviously embarrassed by the lack of assistance china is providing to the Philippines have turned this thread into a forum for attacking Japan's contribution levels. My position has always been that it would take time for aid to build up, and the initial $10m shouldn't have been sneered at. The Philippines needs all the help the entire world can offer,

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Ossan: "Please tell that to the china supporters, who, obviously embarrassed by the lack of assistance china is providing to the Philippines have turned this thread into a forum for attacking Japan's contribution levels."

I'll tell it to them if and when they appear in reality, and once again this is a thread about support, not about chiding other nations for what you consider a lack thereof.

"My position has always been that it would take time for aid to build up, and the initial $10m shouldn't have been sneered at."

Of course it shouldn't, same as any donation should not be sneered at at all, no?

"The Philippines needs all the help the entire world can offer,"

Including what the Chinese is willing to give, don't you agree?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Readers, please stop bickering. The topic is Japan's aid to the Philippines.

like I've said before the first 10 million is allocated emergency aid that can be moved at a moments notice. Additional funds require a deeper look at what is required and where. Imagine if there were multiple disasters that followed in other countries. Do you automatically give all of them maximum funds? This disaster is ongoing and they will still need aid 2 years from now at which time most of you would have forgotten and moved on to personnel problems.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Thank you, Japan~~~

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I see Japan as a best example in Asia regarding humanity issues. Helping Phillipines was the best thing that the Japanese government did and yet there are some anti-Japanese guys who are trying to find some negative thing about this country which is shame.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

thank you Japan. our sincere gratitude to the Japanese People and your gov't though we could not reciprocate your kindness to us but all i can say and even our entire country is THANK YOU JAPAN WE NEVER FORGET YOU ALL! MORE BLESSING TO COME YOUR COUNTRY! i would like to greet my friend Ms Nozomi Takimoto hope your entire family will be in good health and more blessing through the year.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

All these folks complaining about the paucity of assistance. How much did YOU give?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

well done Japan. the aid is very well needed. no doubt this aid could mount more if other contributions are included, don't forget that churches here can also give the kind of amount that can be quite close to what the govn't can offer as well.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The UK (both government and grass roots) sees Japan's $50,000,000 is raises the stakes to $130,000,000. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24970066 Almost 100 times more than the Greatest Power in the Region. Well done Great Britain.

Big numbers until you remember that JP Morgan is giving $4,500,000,000 (nearly 3000 times more than China's donation) to a bunch of investors who gambled and lost.

Priorities people. Priorities.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The UK (both government and grass roots) sees Japan's $50,000,000 is raises the stakes to $130,000,000

That's all very well but it isn't a p#ssing contest. This is not about national one upmanship or pride. Japan has given a welcome donation and that is all.

My grandfather was in Manchurria. He told me histories of a chinese girl that was dying of tuberculosis. She told him that chinese hospital wont accept her. Still his platoon got her antibiotics

Are you sure they weren't experiments?

Its about Ethics. Something that Japan has.

No it is something that some human beings have regardless of nationality. Some Japanese people are kind, caring and considerate and some are selfish, self centred and uncaring. The same can be said for just about anywhere else in the world. If the Japanese as an entire group were so ethical they wouldn't have been in Manchuria in the first place.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Any help to Phillipines are help. These victims might not survive. It is not donation amount competition. Any help, especially water and food. Don;t think Red Cross can solve all those problems. Glad Japan and other countries can help these victims. All Phillipino comment writers: Are your relatives OK? Sorry to know this typhoon,

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I second all the comments here that emphasize now is not the time to bicker. About anything. It is the time to help. You can do this by donating your time, your money, or both.

Your time: contact your government and urge them to give more, help more, do more. If that is not your thing, consider contacting a charitable organization to see if you can volunteer your time to help.

Your money: give whatever, no matter how small, to a charity that directly helps the victims of this typhoon. Generally, the Red Cross has a good reputation for maximizing the dollars donated by getting it to those in need. Anyone here who knows of another good charity, please post.

In addition to the more obvious charitlites, my wife and I donate regularly to disaster area pet relief funds, because reuniting a stricken family with a beloved pet, or connecting a lost pet with a family that lost a love one really, well, helps healing.

FInally, after the media coverage dies down, and they move onto a new disaster or scandal, don't forget to re donate your time and money in 6 months and one year. Our family still donates to, for example, Fukushima, and Haiti, just to name two. We don't donate much, just a bit over the long haul.

Tortoise and the hare.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

30 Million USD is a great gesture from Japan. What's would be even better is that Manila would approved of Japan's SDF team to aid the people in the disaster. The active, experienced and fully equipped search and rescue team would definitely help in the manpower persepective needed to rebuilt the towns and cities, provide them with water, food and a place as shelter.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Humanity and generosity are not competing for the attention and praise. Each nations has individual circumstances and concern for their own. In Japan, many Fukushima victims are still homeless. In China, they have been hit by Sichuan earthquake and recently Typhoon too. Although scale was smaller, they are the victims too.

There is no point for criticizing whether donation amount is small or large. It is counter productive for getting more generosity. If the less well off nations wants to contribute something, they will be embarrassed about being portrayed with bad publicity from negative minded media and commentators.

Imagine I donated $ 10 for Typhoon victims initially, I have been portrayed as bad guy, why do I have to donate more and encourage others. Contribution should comes from sincerity and well wishes from heart. Not about getting popularity and praise!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Always disaster aid will start with initial small amount of aid. The Japanese Government does not know size of damage done by Typhoon Haiyan. So any Government will start with initiative smaller aid amount. It’s nothing wrong with that. Government will increase eventually once Government knew size of damage done by Typhoon. If you give aid money more than it needed and then there will be unnecessary wasting and corruption within local aid distributors.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Kobuta is right, Japanese Govt sent a medical team first. Maybe a small group but JT has an article about what kind of work they do with a new Wireless Mobile X-ray ...... too technical so please read. the article to know what this team has been doing with new gadget we never heard yet.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

That's a very commendable commitment to helping Philippines get through their disaster. Hopefully it can be distributed efficiently to those most in need.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

As always, Japan has stepped up to the plate to offer assistance to those in times of need.

Disregard the anti-Japan crowd, which has infiltrated this sight for many years.

Great job Japan.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

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