Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss visited the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Manila to meet with Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno and other officials, discussing ways to enhance disaster preparedness through collaboration.
Ambassador Fluss reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to assisting the Philippines during calamities, stating, “We had the privilege of meeting with Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno to discuss Israel’s disaster management expertise.”
He further highlighted Israel’s comprehensive approach to disaster response, particularly in handling man-made disasters, and its potential benefits for the Philippines. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening our partnership in disaster preparedness and response,” he added.
The discussions focused on capacity-building initiatives, including technological assistance in areas such as water purification, urban resilience, and addressing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Undersecretary Nepomuceno acknowledged Israel’s expertise in disaster management and innovation. “Israel has proven itself as a leader in disaster management and innovation. Our discussions open exciting avenues for collaboration,” he said.
He emphasized that the visit reinforces the commitment between Israel and the Philippines to building stronger, more resilient communities. “This partnership with Israel will provide valuable insights on addressing CBRN threats, ultimately protecting the nation’s health and safety,” Nepomuceno added.
Both parties explored further opportunities for capacity-building, including demonstrations of advanced Israeli products and technologies. They also recognized the need for continued technological support in critical areas such as food and water purification and smart city solutions to enhance urban resilience.