Crisis Scenario Walkthroughs, Emergency Preparedness Discussed in Meeting of PH Embassy with Filipino Community Area Coordinators in Beirut

Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, Vice Consul Mark Joshua B. Ponce, Administrative and Security Officer Jake E. Fernandez, MWO Labor Attaché Alejandro A. Padaen Jr., and OWWA Welfare Officer Windelin D. Marquez with members of the Filipino Community in Lebanon who volunteered as Area Coordinators in a crisis scenario.

BEIRUT 30 August 2024 - An overview of the crisis scenarios, a walkthrough of the Embassy’s updated Contingency Plan, the main duties and responsibilities of an area coordinator in the event of a escalation–down to the best items to pack in an emergency go--bag – all these issues were discussed in a meeting between the Philippine Embassy in Beirut and the 34-strong volunteer group from the Filipino Community last Sunday. The meeting was held in coordination with the Embassy’s attached agencies: the Migrant Worker’s Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Association (OWWA).

The meeting served as part of the Embassy’s on-going efforts to strengthen the operationalization of its Contingency Plan, in the event of the elevation of the Embassy’s crisis alert level given the on-going tensions in the region.

The success of the Embassy’s Contingency Plan greatly depends on the cooperation and assistance of members of the Filipino Community, with area coordinators serving as the focal points in mobilizing a coordinated response should events in Lebanon necessitate a mass evacuation of overseas Filipinos.

Embassy officials outlined the duties and responsibilities of area coordinators, with emphasis on establishing and maintaining regular communication with the Embassy and members of the Filipino Community. Their task includes preparing a list of the names, addresses and contact details of overseas Filipinos in their areas of jurisdiction. It also includes gathering information relevant to the security situation and relaying these to the Embassy, as well as disseminating important updates and advisories.

Attendees were also briefed on the preparation of an emergency kit as a first-step measure to ensure their personal safety and readiness for any emergency situation. This information is to be disseminated and intended as a contingency measure to secure short- term supplies for a “hunker-down” or hibernation strategy in specified rally/extrication points before they are picked up and transported to exit points out of Lebanon.

Embassy officials shared updates on its Contingency Plan, including the location of designated assembly points, temporary holding areas and main shelters in Lebanon.

Finally, Embassy officials reiterated their plea for OFs/OFWs to avail of the government’s voluntary repatriation program. Applicants may access the repatriation program through this link: https://tinyurl.com/2024Repatriation or call the Migrant Worker’s Office’s hotline at +96179110729. END

Security Officer Jake E. Fernandez on the critical roles and responsibilities of Area Coordinators especially in a crisis situation.

Vice Consul Mark Joshua B. Ponce demonstrates how and what to pack in an emergency kit as a required safety and readiness measure for Area Coordinators with leadership roles in a conflict.

Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat concludes the meeting by underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness among the area coordinators.

For more information, visit https://www.beirutpe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinLebanon/, https://twitter.com/PHLinLebanon .