11 August 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a workshop entitled, “Mobilizing Faith-Based Communities for Crisis Response” from August 4 to 5 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacities of faith-based organizations in responding proactively to emerging crises, both natural and man-made, as well as to build awareness and support within the United Nations and other organizations for the potential role of religious leaders and organizations on responding to crises.

The workshop was also an opportunity to initiate dialogue between religious leaders and Philippine government agencies.   As an outcome, the participants came up with some ideas on how to effectively push for the increased and systematic participation of faith-based organizations in the national mechanism for crisis-response.  The outcome will in turn inform the DFA and UNDP’s plans to expand the dialogue to encompass the whole of Southeast Asia.

Representatives from the Japan and Philippine-based Business Diplomacy Forum (BDF) observed the event, with a view to launching a similar process for the private sector in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Over 35 individuals from government agencies and representatives from Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and other Christian organizations participated in the workshop.  END