JFY2019 GGP “The Project for Procurement of Fire Truck and Ambulance to the Republic of Palau”

On March 25, 2025, the Embassy of Japan conducted a 5-year follow-up visit to the Bureau of Public Safety. Through the Government of Japan’s Grassroots Grant Assistance (GGP) program, the Division of Fire and Rescue received a firetruck and ambulance in February 2020 to enhance emergency response capabilities, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to the safety and security of the people of Palau.
 
Through the GGP, both the firetruck and ambulance were donated by Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Zao Town was one of the host towns for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics & Paralympics   for the Palauan athletes. In Zao Town, there is a place called “Kitaharao”, which was named by the Japanese who had lived in Palau and returned to Japan after WWII, in the hope that the settlers would never forget their ties to Palau. Because of this historical connection between Zao Town and Palau, Zao Town officials attended the handover ceremony in 2020. In addition, rescue workers and paramedics were dispatched from Zao Town to Palau, where they provided technical guidance.
 
Five years later, we are pleased to report that both vehicles remain in excellent condition, actively serving the community and playing a vital role in their daily operations. Their proper maintenance and continued use highlight the dedication of the Bureau and its hardworking first responders.
 
The firetruck is stationed at the Melekeok Sub-station, ensuring rapid response to fire emergencies in Babeldaob, Palau’s largest island. With this vital resource, firefighters can better protect homes, businesses, and natural areas, strengthening overall disaster preparedness. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with Sgt. Dudley Derbai (Division of Fire & Rescue) and Sgt. Palmer Swei (Division of Patrol), who shared the positive impact the firetruck has had on their operations.
 
The Division of Fire and Rescue currently has 20 personnel, with 16 of them trained as EMTs, providing essential emergency medical care to the community. During our visit to the main station in Koror, Chief Jefferson Eriich shared how the ambulance’s spacious cabin has been instrumental in effectively conducting emergency services, giving EMTs the space they need to provide life-saving care.
 
Hearing firsthand about the positive impact of these resources reaffirms the importance of strong partnerships and international cooperation. Japan remains committed to supporting Palau’s efforts to enhance public safety.
 
A heartfelt thank you to the Bureau of Public Safety for their dedication and commitment to protecting and serving the people of Palau.
 
The Government of Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999, with the aim of addressing grassroots development needs, such as education, healthcare, and public welfare. For more information on the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp

On February 18, 2020, Ambassador KARASAWA Akira from the Embassy of Japan formally handed over a fire truck to the Division of Fire and Rescue, Ministry of Justice. The handover ceremony for “The Project for Procurement of Fire Truck and Ambulance to the Republic of Palau” was held at the fire station in Koror, and attended by Vice President and Minister of Justice Raynold B. Oilouch, and other related personnel from the VP office and the MOJ.
 
The Division of Fire and Rescue is the only institution which can respond to emergency calls in Palau. However, they were unable to provide prompt activities to secure the safety of people due to deteriorated fire trucks.
 
In order to improve the current situation, the Embassy of Japan and Zao town, which is the one of the host towns for the Palauan national team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, worked together to procure vehicles through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). The Division of Fire and Rescue was granted one ambulance, which has already arrived last September, and now a fire truck finally arrived after the completion of reconditioning and remodeling. Additionally, operational and mechanical trainings were provided to the Division staff last week.
 
 At the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa expressed his hope that every staff will learn a lot from the trainings and keep reviewing what they learned even after the trainings are finished, so that they can respond to emergency calls promptly and the granted vehicles can be used for a long period of time and contribute to the safe living for the Palauan people.
 
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of February 20, 2020, the Embassy has signed 81 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan for GGP in order to contribute to sustainable development of Palau. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html.

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Ambassador of Japan Akira Karasawa and Vice President / Minister of Justice Raynold B. Oilouch signed the grant contract for “The Project for Procurement of Fire Truck and Ambulance to the Republic of Palau”, valued $90,800, under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Vice President Office and Ministry of Justice personnel.
 
Division of Fire and Rescue has been facing various issues, due to deteriorated fire trucks and insufficient number of ambulances they own. Since the Division is the only institution which can respond to emergency calls in Palau, having sufficient number of well-conditioned vehicles is necessary for the Division to provide prompt activities to secure the safety of people.
 
Accordingly, through the project, one fire truck, one ambulance and short term operational trainings will be provided through the project. The two vehicles are provided by Zao town, which is one of the host towns for the Palauan national team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It is expected that the project will enable the Division to respond to emergency calls in an appropriate and prompt manner.
 
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Karasawa hoped that the vehicles would contribute to the safe living of the Palauan people, as well as further enhancing the friendship between Japan and Palau. Furthermore, he requested the Division to take good care of the fire truck and ambulance so that the granted vehicles could be used for a long period of time.    
 
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of September 17, 2019, the Embassy has signed 78 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan and its GGP. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html .