OCD welcomes partnership with Canada on disaster risk reduction

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense and officials of the Canadian embassy held a dialogue on areas of cooperation, focusing on OCD’s priority programs in civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) on Dec. 21, 2023, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Presided over by OCD administrator 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.

Undersecretary Nepomuceno also stressed the importance of nurturing strong and meaningful collaboration with international partners in the attainment of DRRM goals and objectives.

In addition, he shared the OCD’s plans relative to the modernization and strengthening of the civil defense and DRRM capabilities of the country.

Canadian Ambassador David Bruce Hartman gave assurance of Canada’s support in priority areas mentioned by OCD and 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, Canadian embassy head of cooperation John Lok, senior trade officer Kayla Slobodnik and trade commissioner Ramon Yazon.

On March 4, 2023, Canada’s Minister of International Development Harjit Sajjan also made a courtesy call on OCD officials led by deputy administrator for operations Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.

During that visit, 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 Hartman and members of the Canadian diplomatic staff.