U.S.-India-Philippines Triangular Partnership Mentors Filipino Disaster Responders on Telemedicine and Psychosocial Service
Amb. Ignacio and U.S. Ambassador Garcetti with Vice Consul Dizon and the Filipino Telemedicine Trainees. (photo from New Delhi PE)
NEW DELHI 17 April 2024 — Close to 40 Filipino health professionals received training in telemedicine and psychosocial care in India in March and April, under a “trilateral development partnership” (TriDeP) program implemented by the U.S. and Indian Governments with the Philippines.
From 18 to 22 March, a delegation of 20 Filipinos underwent a training program on responding to psychosocial support and mental health services in disaster management, organized by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore, Karnataka State.
A few weeks later, from 08 to 11 April, another 19 Filipinos underwent telemedicine training hosted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
Celebrating the successful conclusion of the two trainings, a reception was hosted by U.S. Ambassador to India Eric M. Garcetti at his residence for the Filipino telemedicine trainees on 12 April. Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio and officials of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) and other partners attended.
Addressing the reception, Ambassador Ignacio expressed profound appreciation to the U.S. and Indian governments for engaging the Philippines as a third-country TriDep partner. Citing the particular disaster vulnerabilities of the Philippines, he underscored the value of the training in enhancing local capacity to address critical aspects of disaster risk management and meeting newer imperatives.
“This triangular partnership is in essence a ‘right’ triangle: we uphold the shared values and advocacies of our three countries”, said Ambassador Ignacio.
The Telemedicine trainees, who came from all across the Philippines, were: Dr. Jeremy L. Licudine, Ms. Nikki R. Catabona, Mr. Richard T. Regino, Mr. Jason S. Mariano, Ms. Editha G. Facturan, Dr. Maria Doris J. Cordova, Dr. Kristen Mae A. Yu, Dr. Edgar Orven M. Mortel, Mrs. Cherrie D. Esteban, Mr. Reynald Jade Darryl B. Cruz, Dr. Tristan Jediah V. Labitad, Mr. Arturo M. Ongkeko, Mr. Jejomar G. Guanzon, Mrs. Steffi Christel S. Pondevida, Mr. Paolo L. Concepcion, Dr. Jinky Leilanie D.P. Lu, Ms. Jillian Marie S. Camiling, Dr. Grace D. Donasco, and Ms. Michelle Kaye O. Petallana.
The TriDeP is principally a cooperation framework between the U.S. and India. The goal is to advance their common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while also enhancing the regional development cooperation footprint of India, as a “preferred partner” of the U.S.
Demand-driven programs are implemented through the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) and the Asia Foundation; and India's MEA and Indian centers of excellence. TriDeP focuses on the three areas of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Smart Agriculture, and RenewableEnergy.
The two trainings for Filipino health professionals were developed in consultation with the Department of Health. END
Amb. Ignacio thanks the Trilateral Development Partnership and commends the Filipino trainees. (photo from New Delhi PE)
For more information, visit https://www.newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/Philippine-Embassy-in-India-348528665275556/