The Government of Japan underscored its continued commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and humanitarian response in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region through its support for the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) Philippines International Symposium 2025, held on September 17, 2025.
Carrying the theme “Resilience in Practice: EMS Collaboration and Multi-Sector Approach,” the symposium concluded A-PAD’s three-year initiative on emergency preparedness, volunteer engagement, and emergency medical services (EMS) capacity development, which was implemented under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.
The event brought together representatives from national and local government agencies, international partners, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, providing a platform to share best practices, deepen cooperation, and reinforce multi-sector and cross-border partnerships.
In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their active collaboration and highlighted the vital role of reliable medical and emergency systems in times of crisis. He further noted, “Just as calamities know no boundaries, so too must our capabilities to address them. With cross-border platforms such as A-PAD, disaster management can be a more effective equalizer in facing risks.”
Since its establishment in 2012, A-PAD has served as a regional framework for cooperation on disaster prevention and humanitarian relief, bringing together governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure rapid and coordinated response in emergencies. Its network currently includes Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.