JICA wants ‘deeper’ talks with PH on disaster management
Metro Manila, Philippines — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expressed interest for a “deeper” consultation in its partnership with the Philippines, especially on disaster risk reduction.
JICA President Tanaka Akihiko paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Nov. 21.
“We would like to have deeper consultation with the government of the Philippines. (Japan) Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba emphasized that disaster risk reduction is one of his priorities,” Tanaka told Marcos, as quoted by a Malacañang news release.
“In comparison with many other developing countries and in comparison with many advanced nations, I believe the Filipino management of the floods and typhoons in many ways [is] exemplary,” the JICA president also said.
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In a social media post, JICA said Tanaka expressed his condolences to typhoon victims.
The Japanese agency, which delivers the bulk of official development assistance, said the discussion included disaster prevention, infrastructure, the Mindanao peace process, and other development projects.
Malacañang said Marcos noted during the courtesy call the importance of new technologies, especially in early warning systems, to address “escalating challenges posed by climate change.”
He also said early warnings are “becoming more and more important.”
“Now, when it is Category 1 Storm, in 24 hours, it’s category five. It seems to be a new phenomenon that we have to deal with. That is why early warning systems, the meteorological warnings [are important],” he added.
In a separate post on Thursday, Marcos said JICA’s expertise and support help the country in finding solutions to “keep our communities safe from the threats of natural disasters, while building a stronger and more secure future for all Filipinos.”
The Presidential Communications Office has been working with JICA to fully digitalize state broadcaster PTV-4, with the project aiming to establish an emergency warning broadcast system.
The Philippines has been hit with six successive storms in just over a month.
Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) and Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) reportedly killed 162 people, according to the national disaster agency.
Deaths were also recorded during Typhoon Marce (Yinxing) with one, while at least 12 from Typhoons Nika (international name: Toraji), Ofel (Usagi), and Pepito (Man-yi).
