Priam Nepomuceno/Philippine News Agency
MANILA –The activation of the Disaster Emergency Logistics Systems for Asean (DELSA) Phase II warehouse in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City will greatly boost the organization’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
“This warehouse, one of the two satellite warehouses built, will support Asean’s emergency preparedness and response capacity by housing additional stockpiles of relief items,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in his speech during the inauguration of the DELSA facility Monday.
The DELSA Phase II warehouse will also improve the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the platform of cooperation and collaboration.
Lorenzana lauded the Office of Civil Defense and the Asean Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance or (AHA) Centre for making the project a reality.
“We commend our friends and partners in Asean and the AHA Center for tirelessly working the realization of regional emergency stockpiles as well as enhancing institutional capacity building, and communication awareness,” the DND chief added.
The construction of such facilities is needed considering the growing force and frequencies of destructive storms and typhoons in the Asean region and other hazards that are greatly challenging the national disaster management agencies and systems, Lorenzana stressed.
“If caught unprepared, the toll on death, injured, and displaced would be staggering. One can see how these numbers add up and be almost an insurmountable odd to a government working in isolation,” he added.
The DND chief also said the impact of disasters in the livelihood of people, businesses and trade, and the overall economy of the country is a serious concern that needs to be dealt with effectively.
“There is no doubt that disaster management is no longer an individual government’s job or a particular sector’s responsibility. Regional cooperation is the key to promote resilience and sustain economic growth amidst the presence of hazards,” Lorenzana emphasized.
In line with this, the NDRRMC has strengthened its collaboration with Asean and its partners in disaster risk reduction and management council.
“Asean through the AHA Centre has provided assistance to the Philippines in various DRRM programs and HADR operations time and time again. ASEAN has proven its mettle as well as compassion in providing timely support and relief to disaster-stricken populations across the region,” the DND chief bared.
He also lauded Asean’s unwavering commitment to help its disaster-racked country members and its people.
“We have witnessed the ‘One Asean, One Response’ motto is action, and we are grateful for Asean’s unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the peoples in its community,” Lorenzana pointed out.
He added that the NDRRMC remains fully committed to ensuring a safe, climate change adaptive and disaster resilient Philippines, not alone but with the support of the whole Filipino society and Asean, working together as a community of nations.
“We look forward to more fruitful collaboration as we bring the Asean brand of disaster risk reduction and management to greater heights: A United Asean, One Asean, Standing Strong and Resilient Against the Threat of Hazards and Disasters,” the DND chief concluded.