Sweden, PH tackles disaster response, transportation projects

The Swedish government and the Philippine government discussed disaster preparedness and developments in the transport sector in a recent meeting.

According to a statement issued by the Swedish Embassy on Thursday, a delegation consisting of State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Diana Janse, and Director General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) Jakob Granit intended to deepen the partnership between Sweden and the Philippines during their visit.

In a meeting with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), World Food Programme (WFP), and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation in Clark, Pampanga discussions focused in collaborations in disaster resilience and how Swedish technology can help enhance the country’s disaster response.

Sweden presented their disaster relief program Ericsson Response, and the Government Emergency Communications Service-Mobile Operations Vehicles (GECS-MOVE), ten of which were deployed nationwide.

The country also expressed their support for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Freight Railway Project, which they supported through the Swedfund.

“We are determined to continue building a deep and long-lasting partnership with the Philippines. In addition, Swedish companies are investing in the country, contributing to job creation and technology transfer,” said Janse.

Meanwhile, Sida and the Swedish government signed a guarantee of $200 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for investments in climate change projects in Southeast Asia. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News