A Japanese government-funded transnational disaster aid group is working with the business community in Cebu to help localities prepare for emergencies amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, a business leader said on Tuesday.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said in a statement a Covid-19 Risk Reduction Project was launched here recently to help localities plot emergency response programs, through a partnership with the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines (APAD PH), a group funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan.
This transnational disaster aid alliance works to facilitate cooperation and understanding between governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations in Asia-Pacific.
“The thrust for multi-sector collaboration is key for faster, inclusive, better preparedness and efficient disaster response, especially in these challenging times,” CCCI president Felix Taguiam said.
Taguiam said the project is expected to benefit Cebu’s countryside areas.
The project beneficiaries in various strategic areas in the countryside of Cebu province include the CCCI chamber chapters in Bantayan Island, towns of Cordova and Balamban, and cities of Naga and Danao, to ensure that these areas can be easily given help during emergencies.
CCCI is APAD PH’s lead convenor in Central Visayas.
During the launch held on October 14, APAD PH provided medical tents to CCCI chamber chapters to aid in quicker response to multiple disasters and threats during the pandemic and beyond, and as part of the Covid-19 Risk Reduction Project, which is funded by Japan’s MOFA.
The Japanese Consul General in Cebu, Toshihide Kawasaki, said the assistance could give disaster-affected people better conditions, safety, and relief even in this difficult pandemic time.
Along with the turnover, a demonstration on setting up the medical tents was also conducted by John Benson Delosa, head of dispatch of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
A presentation on the basic camp management orientation was also given including key considerations on setting up these tents for medical and disaster emergencies, care and management including disinfection especially against infectious diseases, storage matters, and standard protocols if used for Covid-19 pandemic.
“The material value of this donation, impressive as it is, pales beside the value count of the spirit with which it has been given. For these tents represent the goodwill and warm heartedness of your organization (APAD PH) towards the Cebuanos,” Taguiam added. (PNA)
