Philippine Coast Guard rescuers carefully evacuate a senior citizen in a wheelchair amid waist-deep floodwaters caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Zone 4, Libon, Albay, on October 23, 2024.
MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) on Friday pledged P5 million to the national government to support relief efforts for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
According to TMP Corporate Communications Lead Mon Umali, they will also donate Next Generation Tamaraw units to the Office of the President, which will be converted into ambulances.
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“President Marcos received a letter of intent from TMP for its planned donation of five (5) Tamaraw units, which will be converted and turned over to the government in 2025. These include five ambulances which will be used to support various mobility needs of specific people focused programs under the Office of the President,” the TMP said in a statement.
In his speech during the TMP’s showcase of the Next Generation Tamaraw and Hydrogen Vehicle Technology, Marcos expressed support for hydrogen-powered vehicles as it could bring a “newer and greener transport system.”
“With the use of hydrogen technology in vehicle electrification, we are presented with sustainable transport solutions that intensify our call for environmental stewardship,” he said.
“Embracing this responsibility becomes even more urgent as we confront the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, exacerbated by our position in the typhoon belt. Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has now impacted our nation—particularly up here in Luzon—through relentless rains and flooding, and this underscores, once again, to the –every single Filipino the importance of adaptability and of preparedness,” he added.
Marcos also thanked TMP for its previous investment of P5.5 billion for the production of the Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw.
“Engineered for versatility and affordability, the New Generation Tamaraw is designed for Filipinos. Our micro, small, medium enterprises and proprietors have a reliable partner now in Tamaraw, empowering our people in their daily journeys,” he said.