TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 50-member special rescue team from the Philippines and Taiwanese counterparts began a special training program at the Taiwan Fire Academy in Zhushan Township in Nantou on Monday (Sept. 9).

The program, organized by government agencies and the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), aims to bolster firefighting cooperation and improve the Philippines' emergency response and disaster preparedness capabilities, according to a TAEF press release. Taiwan and the Philippines are susceptible to natural disasters, such as typhoons and landslides, making bilateral cooperation vital.

Romel Tradio, senior superintendent of the Philippines Bureau of Fire Protection, said the program symbolizes the importance of cooperation in fire rescue services and knowledge sharing and serves as a "bridge connecting mutual understanding and shared visions." Tradio thanked Taiwanese experts for their help in enhancing the rescue capabilities of the Philippines and for sharing valuable experiences.

Joint training in disaster prevention and firefighting implements the "people-centered" concept of the New Southbound Policy to ensure the safety of lives and property, TAEF said. The foundation hoped the government would continue to build comprehensive partnerships creating a "disaster resilience corridor" to face future challenges.

A Taiwan-Philippines firefighting training session was last held at the Taiwan Fire Academy in 2022. Over seven days, 34 Filipino firefighters learned about car accident response, rope rescue skills, and emergency rescue.