A-PAD all set for Bicol reg’l platform launch in Naga City
By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay NAGA CITY --- “Saving more lives in less time.” This battle cry became the most effective link that led to the successful partnership between the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) Philippines and the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and the creation of A-PAD Metro Naga. Tomorrow, July 13, A-PAD Philippines will usher a wider and bigger participation of stakeholders and partners by launching the A-PAD Bicol Regional Platform at the Avenue Plaza Hotel here, with the city and Bicol region’s key officials and personnel gracing the simple yet historic occasion. No less than the President of Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) Rene “Butch” S. Meily will come to honor the event. PDRF is the country’s major private sector vehicle for disaster risk reduction management and coordination. Meily will be joined by Minette Jerusalem, Citizens Disaster Response Network (DDRN) Chairperson. CDRN on the other hand is network of 17 disaster management and social development agencies from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The members of CDRN are united in the promotion and implementation of Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM) in the Philippines. Also gracing the occasion is A-PAD Management Office Program Coordinator Midori Yajima. She is currently based in Tokyo, Japan. Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, Bicol Regional Development Council (BCDC) Chairperson will be represented by Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) Head Dr. Cedric Daep while Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol Director Claudio Yucot will be represented by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Aida A. Naz during the launching ceremony. Judge Marvel C. Clavecilla, Presidential Adviser for Bicol Affairs, also confirmed his attendance to the event. MNCCI President Ferdinand Sia will formally announce the formation of A-PAD Bicol and introduce its partners. PDRF and CDRC jointly manages A-PAD’s activities and ensures that all platforms are geared towards building the vulnerable communities’ resiliency, preparing them for possible calamities while strengthening the cooperation of various sectors, particularly those from the business sector even before any crisis strikes. The strategic partnership that PDRF has started allowed companies, government agencies, civil society organizations and other concerned stakeholders to unite and mobilize their efforts in lifting up vulnerable communities – and its continuing success will lie on the hands of future stakeholders. A brief press conference will follow after the covenant signing. The activity is supported by Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.