March 17, 2014
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Japan Provides Assistance to Tonga Broadcasting Commission
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The Grant Contract formalizing the Government of Japan's assistance for the first Outside-Broadcasting Mobile Unit for Tonga Broadcasting Commission was signed between H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga and Lady 'Eseta Fusitu'a, Chairlady of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission Board of Directors. Mr. Paula Ma'u, CEO for the Ministry of Information and Communication, Lady Tuna Fielakepa, Dr. Giulio Masasso Paunga, and other Board Directors were also present at the ceremony, held at the Tonga's Broadcasting Commission main building studio, at Fasi mo e Afi, on Thursday morning, March 13th 2014.
H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro emphasized significance of keeping the public updated and informed at all times, particularly in events of disasters. "In case of disaster management activities, this mobile vehicle will be better able to capture stories, images and information that will empower viewers and local communities to be better prepared for disaster,"
"It is essential for people to stay up to date and informed on what is happing in local communities, and this mobile unit will assist in this point." added Ambassador Hamuro.
Japan, being one of the countries most affected by natural disasters, Ambassador Hamuro expressed Japan's intention to share its experience and expertise in the field of disaster mitigation and preparedness.
Dr. Giulio Masasso Paunga, Board Member of Tonga Broadcasting Commission thanked the Ambassador for the people and Government of Japan's support. "We are very fortunate, and this is a very important milestone for us in the Tonga Broadcasting Commission." He also highlighted that with the right equipments, Radio and Television Tonga can also save lives.
The funding for this assistance is provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. Re-modification of the mobile unit is expected to be completed in four months time, before transported from Japan. (Refer to attached Project Fact Sheet for more information.)
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
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