Makati shares disaster management strategies with Bangladesh

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City has shared its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) projects and initiatives and Social Safety Nets in DRRM to the government of Bangladesh as part of the city’s sharing program.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said Makati recognizes the sharing strategy as one of the best tools in the transfer of knowledge and practices among local governments.

"Makati has learned much from local governments not only in the country but also from among our Asian neighbors and other countries abroad during study visits and international fora,” he said.

“We are glad that Makati has been able to provide inputs to other local governments in their efforts to develop disaster resilient communities by sharing our projects, activities and processes that can serve as their benchmark,” Binay added.

Binay on Monday welcomed in his office delegates from the government of Bangladesh led by Bangladesh Ambassador to Manila, H.E. John Gomes.

The Makati DRRM System which was shared with Bangladesh includes the legal and institutional basis, the organizational structure, the four thematic areas in DRRM (e.g. prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery and rehabilitation) and ongoing projects and activities, and its awards and recognitions, among others.

The Makati Social Safety Net Programs in DRRM meanwhile showed the efforts of the city government in providing social welfare and humanitarian assistance to the residents of Makati and informal settlers, relocation sites, and the different livelihood programs of Makati.

The Bangladesh delegates came from various offices of the national government, namely: Md. Abdul Quddus (Project Director & Additional Secretary) and Suman Kar (MIS Specialist) from Operation Support to the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest; Mohammed Tasharuf Hossain Forhagy (Deputy Chief) and Md. Abdul Moktader (PS to Minister) from the Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief; MD. Abdus Sobhan (PIO of Muktagacha, Mymensingh District), and MD. Aktaruzzaman (PIO of Bogra Sadar, Bogra District).

The visitors were particularly interested in the city’s cash for work program, disaster resilient infrastructure, and the GIS and hazard maps of Makati. They also visited the Makati Command Control and Communication (C3) Center to view the latest technology for traffic and peace and order monitoring system of the city government.

Also present during the Study Visit sharing were city councilors Israel Cruzado and Tosca Camille Puno-Ramos, and the officers from the various offices of the city government. - Mike Frialde