Disaster Preparedness Forum Held for the Filipino Community in Jakarta

Philippines Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen B. Isleta, puts out a fire under the supervision of speaker Mr. Edhiemar Palmones of VFS Worldwide

05 March 2018 JAKARTA - The Philippines Embassy in Jakarta headed by Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen B. Isleta, held a Disaster Preparedness Forum for the Filipino Community in Jakarta, in close cooperation with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Indonesia (UPAAI) and in partnership with the Philippine Basketball Community at the Philippine Embassy grounds on Saturday, 24 February 2018.

In her opening remarks, Amb. Isleta noted the timeliness and importance of the talk and thanked the UPAAI and the Philippine Basketball Community for taking the initiative on this activity.

The two high-magnitude earthquakes recently felt in Jakarta and Jakarta’s vulnerability to regular flooding and other natural disasters highlighted the need for a forum of this nature to be held, especially since one of the primary mandates of Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad is to provide assistance to Filipinos abroad especially in times of emergency.

Mr. Arnel Capili of the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Center spoke about Indonesia’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire during his talk on Emergency Response. He highlighted the importance of having pre-arranged meeting points for families to meet after disaster strikes, as often power and communications infrastructure are down during such emergencies.

From Mr. Edhiemar Palmones of VFS Worldwide, Security & Risk Management, the audience learned what to include in a “survival bag” that people should have ready at all times: first aid kit, cash, flashlights, and radio, among others. Mr. Palmones, with his team, also demonstrated how to use a fire extinguisher, and provided hands-on guidance.

Vice President of CEM Digital XL Axiata, Ms. April Cabello-Arshad, discussed social media use during disaster and emergencies, while Ms. Shirlene Mananquil, Consul General of the Philippine Embassy, talked about what the Embassy does during different alert levels leading to crises.

The Embassy of the Philippines, in close coordination with various community groups, continues to provide opportunities for relevant discussion between experts and the Filipino Community in Jakarta. END

For more information, visit www.jakartape.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philembjkt.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinIndonesia/