ASEAN Responds to Disasters as One

ASEAN

Manila, PHILIPPINES

Tuesday, 18th August 2015

The Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council – Office of Civil Defense (NDRRMC-OCD) together with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) conducted the “One ASEAN, One Response” Roadshow from 11 – 13 August 2015 in Manila.  The event aimed to promote the ASEAN Regional Mechanism on Disaster Management as well as to socialize the “One ASEAN, One Response” vision where all ASEAN Member States unite as one to respond to disasters within or outside the region.

AHA Centre’s Executive Director Said Faisal and NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Alexander Pama graced the event.

“One ASEAN, One Response is the vision where ASEAN is moving forward.  It envisions unity and solidarity amongst ten Member States.  Therefore, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the continuous support of all the ASEAN Member States which enables us further in achieving One ASEAN, One Response,” said Mr Faisal in his opening remarks.

“We believe that this roadshow will bring significant impact towards the understanding of ASEAN’s framework on disaster management and emergency response.  Moreover, we can also understand how the AHA Centre fits in the regional mechanism of disaster management and how the NDRRMC can fully utilize its support on information sharing, emergency response and also capacity-building programme for our officials,” said Usec Pama.

The entry into force of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) in 2009 reflects a strong commitment from the ten ASEAN Member States to become a stronger region in responding to disaster.  As the operational organization of the AADMER, the AHA Centre is fully committed to realize the “One ASEAN, One Response” vision.