OCD, Japan strengthen disaster risk management ties

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

BOOSTING DISASTER RESPONSE. Office of Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (right) shakes hands with a representative of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during a courtesy call in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sept. 3, 2024. The OCD on Friday (Sept. 6) said it is committed to further strengthening ties with Japan in the field of disaster risk reduction and management. (Photo: Civil Defense PH/Facebook)

MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is committed to further strengthening its ties with Japan in the field of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

This came after representatives from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) paid a courtesy call on OCD administator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sept. 3, the agency said in a news release on Friday.

“Japan is one of our steadfast partners or strong allies in DRRM. We are grateful for their continued support to us. Their best practices in DRRM are invaluable and worthy of emulation,” Nepomuceno said.

During the visit, the OCD provided a briefing on various systems, mechanisms, and efforts relative to DRRM in the Philippines.

The discussion covered topics on earthquake and volcanic eruption monitoring and early warning systems; standard operating procedure for earthquake and volcanic eruption preparedness, response and recovery; evacuation plans and safe zones for earthquake and volcanic eruption; and ongoing efforts to improve earthquake and volcanic eruption preparedness.

JGSDF and MOD officers are currently in the Philippines for the Japan-Philippines Humanitarian and Disaster Response Cooperation Project 2024 from Sept. 1 to 7 at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, and in Legazpi City, Albay.

The OCD and the Japan International Cooperation Agency are also engaged in several capacity-building initiatives as part of the DRRM – Capacity Enhancement Project Phase partnership program.