The Embassy of Canada in Manila has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) protocols by pledging support to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) programs. This collaboration was solidified during a recent meeting between Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Bruce Hartman, and OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno.
Recognizing the importance of enhancing the country’s DRRM system, Ambassador Hartman expressed his willingness to work closely with the Philippine government to better understand its needs and requirements in disaster risk reduction and management. Nepomuceno, in turn, shared the OCD’s plans for modernization, aimed at strengthening the civil defense and DRRM capabilities of the nation.
During the meeting, officials from the OCD and the Canadian Embassy discussed various areas of cooperation, focusing on the agency’s priority civil defense DRRM programs. The discussions encompassed topics such as digitalization and advancements in early warning systems, the review and updating of DRRM protocols, framework, and systems, as well as the enhancement of strategic coordination.
One of the key points of discussion was the importance of ramping up preparedness campaigns and reinforcing capacity-building programs and activities at both the national and local community levels. This emphasis on preparedness reflects the shared commitment of both the OCD and the Embassy of Canada to ensure that the Philippines is well-equipped to mitigate the impact of disasters.
Administrator Nepomuceno expressed his gratitude to the Canadian government for their steadfast support of the Philippine DRRM system. He emphasized the significance of nurturing collaborations with international partners in achieving the country’s DRRM goals. The partnership between the OCD and the Embassy of Canada is set to continue, with further talks planned to explore avenues for enhanced DRRM cooperation.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including OCD Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr., OCD Director Jose Harry Barber, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines, John Lok, Senior Trade Officer Kayla Slobodnik, and Trade Commissioner Ramon Yazon. This diverse group of stakeholders demonstrates the shared commitment and collaboration between the two nations in strengthening disaster resilience.
It is worth noting that on March 4, 2023, Canada’s Minister of International Development, Harjit Sajjan, paid a courtesy call to the OCD. During this visit, Minister Sajjan conveyed the Canadian government’s willingness to support the Philippines’ DRRM system, including the strengthening of search and rescue operation capabilities.
The partnership between the Embassy of Canada in Manila and the Office of Civil Defense is a testament to the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters. By working together, the Philippines and Canada can leverage their respective expertise and resources to build a more resilient nation, better prepared to face the uncertainties of the future.
In conclusion, the Embassy of Canada in Manila’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction and management programs is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s resilience. Through collaboration and cooperation, both nations can contribute to the development of effective DRRM protocols and systems, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people in the face of potential disasters.
Source: The Manila Times
