Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the country’s disaster resiliency efforts are always greatly boosted by international or multilateral partnership.
Teodoro made the statement following the handover of donation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Alternate Government Command and Control Center (AGCCC) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija last Sept. 23.
The donation, which consisted of essential non-food items such as shelter repair kits, kitchen sets, and tarpaulins, was received by the Defense chief on behalf of the NDRRMC from United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, according to a news release Wednesday.
“Resilience efforts are not only bilateral but multilateral. However, in the bilateral sense the evolution of the partnership into thematic areas are evolving, are more powerful and are growing,” Teodoro, who is also the NDRRMC chair, said.
He underscored the significance of this partnership, noting its evolution into a powerful and effective tool for enhancing resilience.
“We want to thank the government of the United States, our United Nations partner for valuable and visible act rather than words. It is an act of good faith, a demonstration of good faith towards our partnership in saving lives and bringing a better future for the people not only in this country but of the Indo Pacific Region,” Teodoro said.
Meanwhile, Carlson reaffirmed the US’ commitment to support the Philippines, and commended the country for its disaster risk reduction and management efforts.
“The US government remains committed to supporting the Philippines as it builds national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. The tireless efforts of the Philippines response agencies, from the barangays to the national level, are truly an inspiration. We are very proud to be your partner,” she said.
The donation handover was facilitated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and was attended by key officials including OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno and USAID head of mission Ben Hemingway. (PNA)
