Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and Minato City Government Share Best Practice with Philippine Public Safety College on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo arranged for a briefing by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC) and officials of Minato City Government for graduate students of the Philippine Public Safety College. Special focus was on disaster risk reduction and management best practices, as well as the use of advanced technology to minimize risks from natural disasters, as well as for human assistance and disaster relief (HADR) purposes.
Minato City Government Director for Disaster Prevention Section of the Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management Department Mr. Takashi Shirai shares best practice with PPSC students.
Explaining the basic philosophy of readiness as self-help, mutual help and public assistance, officials of Minato City Government shared their insights and lessons from several major disasters in Japan. They emphasized the importance of self-help, which in reality comprises 70% of disaster prevention and response, while mutual help—being helpful to one’s neighbors—and public assistance account for only 20% and 10% respectively.
Ms Haruko Ikkatai of the International Cooperation Division and Mr. Ittetsu Taguchi of the Advanced Information System and Software Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications brief the PPSC students.
Facilitated by the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, a briefing was presented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication on technology-based solutions developed for disaster risk reduction and management, and the programs of MIC with foreign countries.
Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V observed that Japan, with its belief in self-help, its organization, experience and technological innovations, is the best place for Filipino practitioners in DRRM to learn lessons and pick up best practice. He exhorted the students to take advantage of their study mission to bring lessons back and reflect on how they can be applied to the local government context, network with Japanese officials, and start to internalize the possibilities presented by technology to enhance resilience and provide disaster management solutions.
Philippine Public Safety College Graduate students with Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V, Minato City Government officials and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication officials.
The group also observed the Tokyo Comprehensive Disaster Drill. As part of their familiarization and study tour in Japan, they will visit several agencies, research and training facilities, prevention parks, local governments and elementary schools in Tokyo, Sendai and Tohoku.
The Master in Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Program of the Philippine Public Safety College is participated in by mid-level executives and managers from various government agencies and the private sector. Students of this course are drawn from local governments, DILG, BFP, PNP, DEPED, Office of Civil Defense, Office of the Cabinet Secretary, PAG-ASA, DOST, NGOs and private banks in the Philippines.
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