OCD ties up with humanitarian org to boost disaster resilience
Published Sep 3, 2025 04:01 pm
(L-R) Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. (OBFPI) President Peter Kairuz and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Harold Cabreros sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance the country's disaster resilience, at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC), Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo: OCD)
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) forged a partnership with a humanitarian organization to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
OCD Administrator Usec. Harold Cabreros signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, Inc. (OBFPI) at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC), Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
OBFPI, the humanitarian arm of Makati City-based Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Asia, was represented by its President, Peter Kairuz, Executive Director Gigilyn G. Endaya, and Programs Coordinator Mayla U. Malana.
The partnership allows coordinated action between the OCD and OBFPI during times of calamity, thus, speeding up the deployment of relief goods, medical missions, and psychosocial.
It also enables OBFPI’s logistics, volunteers, and humanitarian resources to complement the OCD’s government assets to ensure wider coverage and faster delivery of aid.
Cabreros emphasized the need for unity in addressing the country’s vulnerability to disasters.
“The Philippines is a country exposed to risks from natural disasters. We are highly vulnerable to hazards brought about by typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. This predicament calls for an enhanced engagement between government and the private sector,” he said.
“The OCD needs enhanced engagement between government and the private sector and is eager to engage with civil society organizations, the private sectors, and volunteer groups in its DRRM programs to complement resources and accelerate the delivery of services to our government,” he added.
For his part, Kairuz reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to extending humanitarian aid where it is most needed.
He noted that partnerships with government institutions allow them to reach more communities efficiently by knowing which communities are affected and where their resources can best be deployed.
“This valuable partnership enables us to know what's transpiring on the ground, even before we plan anything. It is OCD that tells us what's going on, what the effects or other consequences may follow any type of disaster, [enabling] us to do our work better,” he said.