Monday, September 08, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Jane Cadalig
THE Provincial Government of Benguet is partnering with a Korean group for education and environment projects.
This was initiated by a recent visit by some Korean dignitaries to the province, simultaneous with the donation of firefighting equipment for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The delegation was led by Board of Education Chairman Kwak Jeong Soo of Chungcheongbuk-do province.
Echoing the assurance of the Korean leaders, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan said the donation is just the start of a series of grants the government of Korea would extend to the province.
The province is also awaiting P23 million worth of fire trucks and ambulances from the Korean government.
Romulo Khayog, supply officer of the BFP, said the firefighting gear, including fire-resistant jackets and boots, would greatly help the agency in its operations.
He said the donation means a lot to the province especially since the gear contributed is worth a big amount of money. Baguio and La Trinidad offices of the BFP have 85 and 40 personnel, respectively.
Earlier, Korea's governor of education also donated various computer sets to the regional office of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Fongwan said another partnership with Korea would focus on the environment.
The arrival of Koreans in the Philippines has been steadily growing in the past years. Koreans ranked fifth in the applicants for dual citizenship in the country.