Empowering Communities: Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul Organizes Disaster Preparedness Seminar for Filipinos
Philippine Consulate Officials, Beşiktas Municipality Officials, resource persons, as well as Filipino participants with their emergency bags. (Istanbul PCG photo)
ISTANBUL 07 May 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, in cooperation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center and the Beşiktaş Municipality, successfully organized a Disaster and Preparedness Seminar for the Filipino Community in the Marmara Region, on 05 May 2024 at the Beşiktaş Municipality Zübeyde Ana Cultural Center (Beşiktaş Beledi̇yesi̇ Zübeyde Ana Kültür Merkesi).
“Following numerous reports predicting a major earthquake in the Marmara Region, particularly in Istanbul, we met with AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) and that meeting emphasized the importance of preparedness. They provided us with emergency go bags, highlighting the importance of planning for unforeseen events such as earthquakes, which can strike without warning. Today, in partnership with AKOM and the Beşiktaş Municipality, we are extending this preparedness initiative to our Filipino community,” said Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil as she opened the event.
Key highlights of the seminar included a comprehensive presentation by AKOM’s advisor, Professor Dr. Şerif Barış, shedding light on AKOM’s ongoing endeavors and furnishing practical insights on earthquake preparedness and response strategies. Additionally, Mr. Mustafa Kaya, the Disaster Planning Chief of Beşiktaş Municipality, delved into the municipality's tailored initiatives, emphasizing essential information such as designated meeting points and procedural protocols, particularly pertinent to the sizable Filipino population residing within the Beşiktaş district.
Around 80 participants engaged in an interactive discussion with the resource speakers during the Q&A session. As a tangible gesture of preparedness, emergency bags were also distributed to all participants.
Expressing gratitude, the Filipino community lauded the Consulate for organizing the seminar, deeming it immensely informative, practical, and indispensable in ensuring their readiness and resilience in the event of a disaster. END
Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil opens the event explaining the rationale of the seminar. (Istanbul PCG photo)
AKOM’s advisor, Professor Dr. Şerif Barış, discusses AKOM’s ongoing endeavors and practical insights on earthquake preparedness and response strategies. (Istanbul PCG photo)
Mr. Mustafa Kaya, the Disaster Planning Chief of Beşiktaş Municipality, delves into the municipality's tailored disaster preparedness and response initiatives. (Istanbul PCG photo)
Seminar participants sing the Philippine National Anthem at the beginning of the program. (Istanbul PCG photo)
Participants engage with the resource speakers during the Q&A segment of the seminar. (Istanbul PCG photo).
Consul General Mananquil presents a certificate of appreciation to the resource persons. (Istanbul PCG photo)
PCG personnel with resource speakers and representatives from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center and the Beşiktaş Municipality. (Istanbul PCG photo)
Emergency Bags prepared by PCG. (Istanbul PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://istanbulpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinIstanbul/.