Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Ceremony to Present the Prime Minister's Commendation to Contributors for Disaster Prevention for FY2009

Prime Minister Taro Aso held at the Prime Minister's Office the ceremony to present the Prime Minister's Commendation to contributors for disaster prevention for FY2009.

In accordance with a stipulation "Concerning Disaster Prevention Day and Disaster Prevention Week" approved by the Cabinet on May 11, 1982, this ceremony is held to present the Prime Minister's Commendation to the groups and individuals who have made outstanding achievements in contributions to disaster prevention activities at times of disaster, such as lifesaving and prevention of further expansion of disasters, and to the heightening of disaster prevention awareness and development of disaster prevention systems at times of normalcy.

This year, four individuals and 13 groups received the Prime Minister's Commendation for the development of disaster prevention systems and their outstanding roles in disaster prevention activities at the sites of disaster.

In the opening address, Prime Minister Aso said, "I express my heartfelt respect and appreciation once more for your hard work. I hope this commendation will serve as an opportunity to promote further your activities in the respective areas you are engaged in."

Prime Minister Aso then presented each awardee with the Prime Minister's Commendation. In response, Mr. Hiroaki Yoshii expressed his appreciation on behalf of the awardees. He said, "We, as ones who engage in disaster prevention activities, are determined to make further efforts and work hard for the prevention and reduction of disasters in our respective areas. That is our responsibility. We would greatly appreciate your continued instructions and advice."