DPJ President Rep. Banri Kaieda turns over the Party’s donation to Ambassador Manuel Lopez. Witnessing the turnover are Rep. Kaname Tajima and Embassy Political Officer Minister Josel Ignacio (PHOTO: MR. MARK AKIM)

TOKYO, 19 November 2013 –Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Banri Kaieda visited the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo today to turn over DPJ members’ donation amounting of two million Yen for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the central Philippines.

Representative Kaieda, accompanied by DOJ International Department Director General Rep. Tajima Kaname conveyed the DPJ’s message of condolence and commitment to support Japan’s efforts to assist the ongoing relief efforts in the Philippines. “We received much assistance from the Philippines in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and so the DPJ would like to help show Japan’s appreciation”, said the DPJ’s top official.

DPJ President Rep. Kaieda signs the condolence book at the Embassy (PHOTO: MR. MARK AKIM)

He took the opportunity to seek the Philippine Government’s assistance in locating and attending to Japanese nationals who may have been affected by the disaster.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez thanked Rep. Kaieda and Rep. Kaname for the DPJ’s assistance and gesture of solidarity with the Filipino people. “The DPJ’s assistance is yet another manifestation of the overwhelming support we have received from our close friend Japan”, said Ambassador Lopez, as he recalled donations from across the entire spectrum of Japanese society, from government and private organizations to private citizens such as six-year old pre-schooler Shiochi Kondoh. Rep. Kaieda affirmed the DPJ’s commitment to strengthening the strong bonds or “Kizuna”, between the Philippines and Japan.

Before taking their leave, Rep. Kaieda and Rep. Kaname took the opportunity to inscribe their messages of sympathy in the condolence book opened by the Embassy for typhoon victims. END

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