DFA Hosts PIHAC-HCT Meeting in Observance of National Disaster Resilience Month

Representatives from 14 government agencies and seven UN and IO offices participated in the meeting.  The Philippine International Humanitarian Assistance Cluster (PIHAC)  - Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) Meeting aims to inform the PIHAC members of the AA Pilot Areas, AA Initiatives and Interventions that are being implemented by the HCT, and the current coordination work between the HCT and Local Government Units (LGUs). (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

MANILA 26 July 2024 – In observance of the 36th National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), the DFA Office for Civilian Security (OCS) organized an in-person meeting on 19 July 2024 between the Philippine International Humanitarian Assistance Cluster (PIHAC) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). 

Chaired by Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo, the meeting highlighted the anticipatory action (AA) pilot projects of the HCT composed of the United Nations, other international organizations (IOs), and local partners in the Philippines.  AA refers to acting ahead of predicted hazards to prevent or reduce acute humanitarian impacts before these occur.  The PIHAC Cluster was apprised of legislative bills on the “Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster”  which were filed in the House of Representatives and the Senate to institutionalize AA.  

Ongoing AA pilot projects were presented to the PIHAC members which are being implemented since 2021 in select regions of the Philippines that are frequented by super typhoons.  In line with NDRM’s 2024 theme  “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan” (A symbol of resiliency and the boundless adherence to the goal of preparedness), PIHAC members were informed of cash and technical assistance that are being provided to local residents to help them prepare before a super typhoon makes landfall.  The meeting is timely and relevant due to the climate assessment of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that La Niña may emerge in the months from October 2024 and may last until the first quarter of 2025.  

Representatives from 14 government agencies and seven UN and IO offices participated in the meeting. END

Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo (left) and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Head Manja Vidic (right). (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

Undersecretary Domingo (right) welcomes the meeting participants with Assistant Secretary for Civilian Security Alan L. Deniega (left) 
(Photo courtesy of DFA-OPD Maria Vanessa Ubac)