Defense, disaster reduction efforts highlight OCD's Canadian partnership

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Embassy of Canada officials held a dialogue on areas of cooperation, focusing on the former’s priority programs in civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) held recently at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Presided over by Civil Defense Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the meeting covered topics concerning digitalization and early warning system advancement; review and updating of DRRM protocols, framework, and system; enhancement of strategic coordination; ramping up of preparedness campaigns; and reinforcement of capacity building programs and activities from the national level down to local.

During the meeting, Nepomuceno thanked the Canadian government for its ongoing commitment to support the Philippine DRRM system through the existing and future partnership programs.

“We, at the OCD, are very thankful to the Canadian Embassy officials for their all-out support, great partnership programs and commitment to improve the Philippine’s DRRM system,” Nepomuceno said.

He also stressed the importance of nurturing strong and meaningful collaboration with international partners in the attainment of DRRM goals and objectives. In addition, the undersecretary shared the OCD’s plans relative to the modernization and strengthening of the civil defense and DRRM capabilities of the country.

Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, His Excellency, David Bruce Hartman assured OCD of the support from Canada in priority areas mentioned by OCD. He also expressed his willingness to work with the Philippine government for a better understanding of its needs and requirements in DRRM.

The meeting was attended by OCD Assistant Secretary Hernando Caraig Jr., Director Jose Harry Barber, Embassy of Canada to the Philippines Head of Cooperation John Lok, Senior Trade Officer Kayla Slobodnik, and Trade Commissioner Ramon Yazon.

The OCD and the Embassy of Canada are set to hold further talks on DRRM cooperation.

Meanwhile, on March 4, 2023, the Minister of International Development of Canada, Harjit Sajjan also made a courtesy call on OCD officials led by Deputy Administrator for Operations, Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.

Minister Sajjan conveyed the Canadian government’s willingness to support the Philippines’ DRRM system including the strengthening of search and rescue operation capabilities. Accompanying him were Ambassador Hartman, and members of the Canadian diplomatic staff.