The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their partnership to bolster disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) strategies and ensure the safety of communities across the country.
In a statement Tuesday, March 25, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said he met with Mr. Baba Takashi, the newly appointed chief representative of JICA, recently where they discussed efforts to improve disaster resilience in the Philippines.
During their meeting, Takashi emphasized the importance of innovative approaches to improve early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and response mechanisms, leveraging Japan’s extensive expertise in the field.
Meanwhile, Nepomuceno underscored the importance of collaborating with Japanese engineers specializing in disaster preparedness, emphasizing that taking advantage of Japan’s advanced engineering solutions is essential for addressing the Philippines’ vulnerability to earthquakes and typhoons.
“Japan's disaster-resilient architecture serves as a model for us. We must implement engineering solutions that can withstand extreme hazards, particularly as we prepare for 'The Big One,’ the anticipated major earthquake in the Philippines,” the OCD chief said.
Takashi replaced Takema Sakamoto, who had been chief representative of JICA Philippines Office since March 2022.
Sakamoto said the forward-looking discussions by JICA with the OCD highlighted the importance of mutual learning and sharing best practices.
“As common natural hazard-prone countries within the Pacific Ring of Fire, we need to share tips and lessons learned mutually to develop our Disaster Risk Reduction capacity, especially as we prepare for 'The Big One,’” he said.
As one of Japan’s lead agencies when it comes to delivering Official Development Assistance (ODA) to partner-nations, JICA has launched over 70 new projects in the Philippines over the past three years.
The OCD said JICA’s assistance has significantly contributed to improving the country’s transportation, flood control, health, and agriculture initiatives.
Furthermore, the OCD noted that JICA has trained over 800 Filipino professionals, emphasizing its dedication to improving capacity development and strengthening local governance and public service delivery.
“This strengthened partnership between the OCD and JICA marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ ongoing effort to enhance its disaster resilience and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Nepomuceno concluded.