The 2026 JTP: TECC Train-the-Trainer Program, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of Trade Negotiations under the Executive Yuan, the National Fire Agency (NFA) of the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), and Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), officially commenced on June 22 at the NFA Training Center in Zhushan, Nantou County.
The 2026 JTP: TECC Train-the-Trainer Program, a total of 54 firefighters from the Philippines have arrived in Taiwan to participate in a nine-day program featuring professional training and practical exchanges and professional exchanges. Through the program, participants will enhance their technical capabilities in emergency medical response while strengthening cross-border networks among fire and rescue professionals. The initiative underscores the shared commitment of Taiwan and the Philippines to building more resilient communities and advancing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Opening Remarks
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Hung-Yi (“Hurricane”) Wu, Deputy Director of the Training Center of the National Fire Agency; Dr. Alan Hao Yang, Executive Director of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF); and Orlando A. Antonio, Deputy Director of the Training Service and Head of the Philippine Delegation. Deputy Director Hung-Yi (“Hurricane”) Wu welcomed all participants on behalf of the National Fire Agency and highlighted the long-standing partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines under the program. Since its launch in 2019, more than 300 firefighters and emergency response personnel have participated in the joint training initiative.
Wu noted that the current program marks another important chapter in bilateral cooperation.. He emphasized that the program is not only about technical training, but also about learning to work together under pressure and building professional networks among firefighters and rescue teams from different countries.
Dr. Alan Hao Yang, Executive Director of TAEF introduced TAEF as an independent think tank and TAEF has also been tasked with advancing Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific strategic engagement and promoting regional resilience. He noted that this year's program places a particular emphasis on emergency medical training, equipping participants with critical knowledge and skills that can help save lives and strengthen disaster response capabilities.
He also encouraged participants to provide feedback and constructive suggestions, emphasizing that their insights would contribute to the academic evaluation and future development of the program, with key findings to be shared with relevant government stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Superintendent of the Bureau of Fire Protection, General Wilberto Kwan Tiu, and the Philippine delegation, Deputy Director Orlando A. Antonio expressed his sincere gratitude to the National Fire Agency, TAEF, and all partner organizations for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Deputy Director Antonio stated that the delegation looked forward to learning from Taiwan’s instructors, exchanging best practices, and building enduring professional friendships. He also extended appreciation to Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, and other supporting organizations for their contributions to the program. He emphasized that the long-standing partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines reflects a shared commitment to public service, community safety, and excellence in emergency response.
Following the opening remarks, representatives of the National Fire Agency, TAEF, and the Philippine delegation exchanged commemorative tokens as a gesture of appreciation and friendship, symbolizing the strong partnership and mutual commitment to advancing regional disaster preparedness and emergency response cooperation.
