PH, Japan to cooperate in strengthening quake, tsunami resilience of Greater Metro Manila

The Philippines and Japan on Friday agreed to work together on a project on earthquake and tsunami disaster risk reduction in the Greater Metro Manila Area, the Official of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

OCD Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Representative Morishima Takanori signed the minutes of meeting for the technical cooperation project at the OCD Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. 

The ceremonial signing event marked the project's detailed planning survey as well as the start of preparations for its expected implementation in 2026, the OCD said.

“The signing we have witnessed today is a product of months of collaboration, technical consultation, and alignment of our priorities and values,” Alejandro said.

“It signals our readiness to implement a science-based, inclusive, and forward-looking disaster risk reduction program that is responsive to the realities of Greater Metro Manila. This project will help institutionalize key measures such as strengthening infrastructure, ensuring continuity of services, localizing risk strategies, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms for DRR," he added.

Morishima thanked the OCD for its cooperation during the detailed planning survey.

"The stakeholder meetings and workshops have created huge momentum on earthquake resiliency—not just for Greater Metro Manila but for the entire Philippines. With OCD’s leadership, we hope to keep stakeholders engaged in this disaster-risk-prone country," he said.

The OCD said the project is in line with the national government's direction under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr who has underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience.

Marcos said last December that disaster response should be based on science-based innovation.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the collaboration with Japan is a model of effective international cooperation for long-term national security. —KG, GMA Integrated News