Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Minato City Gov’t Share Best Practices on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Minato City Government’s Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Department Director for Disaster Prevention Section Takashi Shirai shares best practice with Philippine Public Safety College students. (Tokyo PE photo)

TOKYO 28 November 2018 – Graduate students from the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) were briefed on disaster risk reduction and management best practices, the use of advanced technology to minimize risks from natural disasters, and for human assistance and disaster relief purposes by officials from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC) and the Minato City Government in an event arranged by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on 12 November 2018.

Minato City Government officials shared their insights and lessons from several major disasters in Japan, and explained the basic philosophy of readiness as self-help, mutual help, and public assistance. They emphasized the importance of self-help, which in reality comprises 70 percent of disaster prevention and response, while mutual help—being helpful to one’s neighbors—and public assistance account for only 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Facilitated by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, a briefing was presented by the MIC on technology-based solutions developed for disaster risk reduction and management, as well as the programs of MIC with foreign countries.

Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V observed that the country, with its belief in self-help, its organization, experience, and technological innovations, is the best place for Filipino practitioners in disaster risk reduction and management to learn lessons and pick up best practice from. 

He strongly encouraged the students to take advantage of their study mission to bring lessons back and reflect on how they can be applied to the local government context. The Ambassador  also urged them to network with Japanese officials, and start to internalize the possibilities presented by technology to enhance resilience and provide disaster management solutions.

As part of their familiarization and study tour in Japan, they will visit several agencies, research and training facilities, prevention parks, local governments, and elementary schools in Tokyo, Sendai, and Tohoku.  The group also observed the Tokyo Comprehensive Disaster Drill.

The PPSC's Master in Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Program is participated in by mid-level executives and managers from various government agencies as well as the private sector.

Students of this course are drawn from local governments, the Department of Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, Office of Civil Defense, Office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the Department of Science and Technology, non governmental organizations, and private banks in the Philippines. END

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications International Cooperation Division’s Haruko Ikkatai and Advanced Information System and Software Division’s Ittetsu Taguchi brief the Philippine Public Safety College students. (Tokyo PE photo)

Philippine Public Safety College graduate students with Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V, Minato City Government officials and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication officials. (Tokyo PE photo)

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