17 May 2022 - To foster cooperation in disaster management between the Philippines and Bangladesh, Ambassador Alan L. Deniega participated as a guest of honor in the national symposium “Private Sector Participation and Leadership in Disaster Risk Management” yesterday. 

This event was organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), in cooperation with ActionAid Bangladesh, United Purpose, and World Vision. 

In his speech, Ambassador Deniega highlighted the national and local government efforts in the Philippines to manage disaster risks, such as the allocation of each local government in the country 5% of its annual budget for disaster risk management. He also stated that it is in the Philippines that the first private sector emergency operation in the world was established in 2018. 

Given the experiences and policies of the Philippines and Bangladesh when it comes to disaster management, Ambassador Deniega underscored that the area of disaster risk management is a low-hanging fruit; it is one area in which the Philippines and Bangladesh can advance their bilateral relations and improve the lives and welfare of their peoples.

The symposium also launched the first ever “Private Sector Emergency Operation Center (PEOC)”, which is housed at the DCCI office.