#CagayanDisasterResponseTraining

[thxnews]

US, Philippines Launch Disaster Response Training

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

Inaugural Training in Cagayan From January 23 to 25, a pivotal collaboration unfolded in the municipality of Amulung, Cagayan, marking the first-ever “Cagayan Disaster Response Training-Paghahanda 1.24 Workshop”. This initiative, spearheaded by the United States government alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the provincial government of Cagayan, aimed to bolster the capabilities and teamwork of civilian and military first responders in the disaster-prone province.   Training for Enhanced Collaboration The workshop gathered over 70 local disaster response officials, military personnel, and humanitarian workers. Its core objective was to deepen the understanding of the roles each entity plays in implementing effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) principles.  

Multifaceted Approach to Disaster Management

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DM) played a pivotal role by providing course material and sharing best practices on multistakeholder coordination in HADR. Furthermore, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance briefed participants on the procedures for requesting U.S. government assistance in disaster scenarios.   Tabletop Exercise: Applying HADR Principles The workshop culminated in a tabletop exercise simulating a major disaster in Northern Luzon, near two Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement locations. This exercise allowed participants to apply HADR principles practically and effectively.  

Voices from the Workshop

Steve Castonguay, CFE-DM Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of the Philippine government-led disaster response training in fostering ongoing collaboration between the Philippines and the United States. He highlighted the critical role of resilience, preparedness, and understanding each other’s roles and procedures in natural disaster management.   Integrated Approach for Sustainable Assistance Office of Civil Defense Region 2 Director Leon DG Rafael Jr. underscored the necessity of an integrated approach, where all parties work together to provide immediate and sustainable assistance. The comprehensive workshop aims to enhance the capacity and knowledge of participants, equipping them with the skills to effectively respond and coordinate humanitarian actions.  

Broader Implications

CFE-DM’s partnership with various government and non-government entities worldwide is crucial in fortifying collaborative capabilities in HADR among civilians, military responders, and humanitarian organizations. The U.S. government's commitment to supporting the AFP’s Disaster Response Program is a testament to the importance of strengthening civil-military coordination to alleviate human suffering during humanitarian crises.   Conclusion The inaugural Cagayan Disaster Response Training represents a significant milestone in US-Philippine collaboration, enhancing crisis preparedness and response capabilities in the region. This groundbreaking initiative not only fortifies the readiness of local and military first responders but also fosters a unified approach toward effective crisis management. Through such collaborative efforts, the Philippines is better equipped to handle the challenges posed by natural disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for its communities.   Sources: THX News & US Embassy in the Philippines. Read the full article