In a groundbreaking move to bolster its disaster response capabilities, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Philippines is setting its sights on a strategic partnership with Israel. This collaboration aims to tackle the daunting challenges posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, which pose significant risks to public health and safety.
OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, highlighting Israel’s renowned expertise in disaster management and innovation. ‘Our discussions today open exciting avenues for collaboration that could significantly enhance our disaster response capabilities, especially in the face of natural calamities and potential CBRN threats,’ Nepomuceno stated.
During a recent meeting at the OCD, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss emphasized Israel’s readiness to support the Philippines during disasters. Fluss shared insights on Israel’s comprehensive approach to managing man-made disasters, which could provide valuable lessons for the Philippines. ‘We look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening our partnership in disaster preparedness and response,’ the ambassador remarked.
The discussions also ventured into opportunities for capacity building, including demonstrations of advanced Israeli products and technologies. Both parties recognized the importance of technological assistance in critical areas such as food and water purification, as well as smart city solutions to enhance urban resilience.