The 2026 Taiwan–Japan–Philippines Fire Service Leadership Training Program concluded successfully at the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), Xindian, New Taipei City. Through multinational training and in-depth exchanges, the program demonstrated the three parties’ firm commitment to strengthening public safety and disaster resilience.
A total of 58 graduates from the Philippine Public Safety Academy participated in theprogram, undertaking two weeks of intensive professional training at the National Fire Agency Training Center in Zhushan, Nantou. The curriculum covered fire suppression, NFPA 470 hazardous materials response fundamentals, traffic accident rescue, and rope rescue operations. By integrating theory with hands-on practice, the program significantly enhanced participants’ frontline response capabilities. Notably, the NFPA 470 course included both written and practical examinations; those who passed received international certification, making it a key highlight of the program.
The closing ceremony featured remarks delivered by Ms. LIU, SHYH-FANG, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior; Dr. Hsiao, Huan-Chang Director General of National Fire Agency; Mr. HUANG, Chung-Chao Assistant Trade Representative
Office of Trade Negotiations, Executive Yuan; Ms. Huang Mei-chun, Senior Executive Officer, Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); Ms. Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos Chairperson & Resident Representative，Manila Economic and Cultural Office ; Mr. Tsai, Shih-Yin, Secretary General, Taiwan Firefighting Development and Exchange Association and Mr. FSSUPT Randolph V. Bides, Director of the Philippine Public Safety Academy.
Ms. LIU, SHYH-FANG, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior, noted that Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines, all located in the Western Pacific, face increasing compound disaster risks driven by climate change, which have far-reaching impacts
on national development, economic operations, and social stability. In this context, strengthening international cooperation and professional exchange is essential. She stated that Taiwan will continue to enhance the capabilities of its fire service system while working with Japan and neighboring countries to address climate risks, improve regional disaster resilience, and cultivate a new generation of firefighting leaders with a global outlook.
Dr. Hsiao, Huan-Chang Director General of National Fire Agency congratulated participants on the successful completion of the program and emphasized that such international cooperation platforms facilitate professional exchange among countries, laying a stronger foundation for future disaster response and regional security.
Huang Chung-chao, Trade Representative Office of Trade Negotiations of the Executive Yuan, noted that Taiwan excels in emergency coordination, Japan in institutional frameworks and equipment, and the Philippines in frontline operational
experience. Through exchange and cooperation, each party can learn from one another, enhance professional capacity, and strengthen overall regional disaster resilience.
Huang Mei-chun, Senior Executive Officer, Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her appreciation to the instructors from Taiwan and Japan for providing extensive professional knowledge and practical experience, which ensured the program’s effectiveness. She emphasized that the training marks not only a conclusion but also the beginning of deeper partnerships and long-term collaboration. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue working with regional partners to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve response capabilities, and promote whole-of-society resilience.
Ms. Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos Chairperson & Resident Representative，Manila Economic and Cultural Office highlighted that, amid rising global disaster risks, firefighters bear the critical responsibility of safeguarding national and societal security. This training not only strengthened professional skills but also deepened cooperation and trust among Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. She expressed gratitude to Taiwan for providing this valuable platform and to Japan for its partnership, underscoring the importance of multinational training in building resilient societies.
Tsai, Shih-Yin, Secretary General, Taiwan Firefighting Development and Exchange Association, stated that the association has long been dedicated to advancing firefighting professionalism and international exchange. Several facilities at the Zhushan Training Center were donated and established by the association, demonstrating the vital role of civil society in supporting public safety. He added that the association will continue to provide logistical support in the event of major disasters or incidents and actively promote international cooperation to help cultivate firefighting professionals with global perspectives.
Through lectures, practical exercises, and experience-sharing, the program not only effectively enhanced participants’ professional skills but also further consolidatedtrilateral cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. All parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening cooperation mechanisms, jointly addressing climate change and disaster risks, and building a safer and more resilient Indo-Pacific region.
