The “2026 Taiwan–Japan–Philippines Fire Cadet Leadership Development Program,” jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Trade Negotiations under the Executive Yuan, and the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior(MOI), officially commenced on April 13 at the Zhushan Training Center in Nantou. A total of 58 firefighters from the Philippines have arrived in Taiwan to participate in a two-week program of professional training and practical exchange, marking a significant milestone in advancing trilateral disaster preparedness cooperation.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Hsieh Chih-chiang, Director of the Training Center of the National Fire Agency. Remarks were subsequently delivered by Alan. Y Hao Yang, Executive Director of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF); Sabrina P. AARON, Director of the Taichung Extension Office of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO); and Randolph V. Bides, Head of the Philippine delegation. Their speeches underscored the three parties’ strong commitment to capacity building in disaster response and international cooperation.
Director Hsieh noted that Taiwan and the Philippines have been engaged in joint firefighting training since 2019, with seven cohorts successfully completed to date. Emphasizing that “disaster relief knows no borders,” he highlighted the importance of international solidarity in times of crisis. He cited Taiwan’s experience during the 1999 Jiji earthquake, when Türkiye extended assistance, and Taiwan’s subsequent deployment of rescue teams to Türkiye following the 2023 earthquake, as examples of mutual aid. Given that both Taiwan and the Philippines face similar natural hazards,
such as earthquakes and typhoons, he stressed that the exchange of disaster response experience is particularly meaningful. Looking ahead, the National Fire Agency will continue to standardize training programs in line with international practices and enhance both the software and hardware of its training facilities, with the goal of establishing the center as a key disaster preparedness training and exchange hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
Executive Director of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation Alan Hao Yang stated that from former President Tsai Ing-wen’s New Southbound Policy launched in 2016 to President Lai Ching-te’s “New Southbound Policy Plus,” TAEF has played a vital role in advancing policy implementation and regional cooperation. He emphasized Taiwan’s strong commitment to disaster response training and cooperation with the Philippines and noted that under the frameworks of “whole-of-society resilience” and “regional resilience,” strengthening bilateral ties and regional connectivity remains a
key priority. He concluded by encouraging participants with the message, “Make mission possible,” and expressed hope that they would gain valuable insights from the program.
Manila Economic & Cultural Office -Taichung Director Sabrina P. AARON expressed her pleasure in seeing Philippine participants receive training in Taiwan. She noted that while each cohort receives different training content, participants can disseminate and build upon the knowledge acquired in Taiwan upon returning home, creating a virtuous cycle that enhances both professional expertise and bilateral cooperation.
Randolph V. Bides, Head of the Philippine delegation, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity provided by Taiwan, stating that the program offers invaluable training for participants. He expressed confidence that the experience will be highly rewarding and encouraged participants to apply and share what they have learned upon returning to the Philippines.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts among organizers and partner institutions, symbolizing deepening trust and friendship. The training program will include practical modules on fire suppression, traffic accident rescue, and rope rescue operations. On April 22, participants will travel to Taipei to attend the Disaster Prevention Summit and Fire Expo, featuring demonstrations of Japanese firefighting equipment. On April 23, sessions will include an introduction to the Tokyo Fire Department system and discussions on fire safety management strategies. Through the combined platforms of training, forums, and exhibitions, the program aims to further strengthen trilateral cooperation and exchange in disaster preparedness among Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines.
