DFA Organizes Earthquake Preparedness Briefing for Embassies and International Organizations in Taguig City
Diplomats and other international representatives listening during the Diplomatic Briefing on Disaster on Risk Preparedness. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)
TAGUIG 27 February 2024 – As part of the government’s preparations for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake (the 'Big One') in Metro Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted its second briefing for diplomatic personnel of embassies and international organizations based in Taguig City.
The event organized by the DFA Office of Civilian Security (OCS) with the Taguig City Government drew more than 40 participants. The presentations were delivered by DFA Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo, the Taguig City Government, the Department of National Defense - Office of Civil Defense (DND-OCD), and private estate management groups in Taguig City.
Aside from the usual technical aspects of earthquake preparedness, the briefing also covered the DFA's role in coordinating international humanitarian assistance (IHA) of this disaster of magnitude, plus global cooperation in disaster preparedness, risk and threat assessments for Taguig City, monitoring and early warning capabilities of Taguig Open Weather & Environmental Reporting System (TOWER), city disaster management protocols, and essential emergency supplies (E-TIMBA) and contact points.
The DFA is the lead agency of the Philippine International Assistance Cluster (PIHAC) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Domingo highlighted the indispensable role of local governments as the first responders during emergencies and partners for emergency preparedness and response efforts. He underscored the significance of establishing strong connections with local authorities and leveraging their expertise to enhance preparedness strategies for the benefit of all stakeholders.
In a message delivered on behalf of Mayor Lani Cayetano, Chief of Staff Atty. Marien Lucenario reiterated Taguig City’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of the diplomatic community. She highlighted the city's multi-sectoral approach involving cooperation among local and national government bodies, private sector entities, and international organizations to fortify resilience against potential disasters, including 'The Big One.'
The resource speakers of the briefing were Office of Civil Defense - Capacity Building, Training, and Service Training Specialist Raffy Lucas, Office of the Taguig City Mayor representative, Mr. Fil Garciano, Taguig Open Weather & Environmental Reporting System (TOWER) Weather Specialist Alaine Keith M. De Leon, Taguig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Assistant to DRRM Dr. Luis M. Sy, Jr., Megaworld Corporation Regional Security Manager Capt. Brian Limbo, and Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation General Manager Mr. Ernest Pascual. END
Diplomats and other international representatives listening during the Diplomatic Briefing on Disaster on Risk Preparedness. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)
DFA Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo highlighted the critical role of Local Government Units for the development and improvement of localized response plans for underlying risks and hazards. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)
Chief of Staff Atty. Marien Lucenario delivers the welcome message of Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)
Raffy Lucas (upper left) along with Alaine Keith De Leon (upper right) and invited speakers delivering their presentation on earthquake preparedness and response plans. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)
DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus Domingo (second from left) posing with Chief of Staff Atty. Marien Lucenario and Alaine Keith De Leon in Taguig. (DFA-OPD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)