The Office of the President of the Philippines has released Memorandum Circular No. 66, which announces important details about the 10th Session of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The event will take place from October 14 to 18, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. This global conference, co-hosted by the Philippines and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will focus on accelerating efforts in disaster risk reduction across the Asia-Pacific region. The theme for this year’s conference is “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction”.
Why Is the APMCDRR 2024 Important?
The APMCDRR is a significant event that brings together high-level officials, experts, and key stakeholders from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This conference serves as a platform for discussing disaster management strategies, sharing best practices, and setting ambitious goals to reduce risks caused by natural disasters. It aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting climate resilience and safety for vulnerable communities.
Work and Class Suspension on October 14 and 16, 2024
Due to the large number of participants expected to attend the event, the Office of the President has declared a suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Manila and Pasay on October 14 and 16, 2024. This is aimed at ensuring the smooth and organized conduct of the APMCDRR opening ceremony and the various activities that will take place at the PICC.
However, it is important to note that:
- Government agencies involved in delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness, and emergency response will continue their operations as normal during these dates.
- The suspension of work for private companies is left to the discretion of their respective management. Private sector employers may decide whether to suspend work based on their operational needs.
Agencies Exempt from Work Suspension
While the suspension applies to most government offices, certain essential services will remain operational. Agencies that provide healthcare services, disaster response, and other critical public services are exempted from the suspension. These agencies play a key role in ensuring public safety, especially in times of disaster risk.
Why the Suspension Is Necessary
Suspending work and classes in Manila and Pasay for the APMCDRR allows for:
- Easing traffic congestion and ensuring the safe movement of conference participants, delegates, and other stakeholders.
- Allocating resources, such as emergency response teams and health services, to cater to the needs of the conference and the public.
- Enabling a focused and well-organized execution of the APMCDRR’s opening ceremony and related events, which will attract high-level officials and require tight security.
What to Expect During the Conference
The APMCDRR 2024 will feature a series of plenary sessions, workshops, and exhibitions on disaster risk reduction. Attendees will discuss challenges and advancements in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. There will be special focus on how countries can work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change and disasters in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The conference will provide an opportunity for nations to review progress and set new goals toward achieving a more disaster-resilient Asia-Pacific by 2030.
Conclusion
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction is a vital event that emphasizes the importance of proactive disaster management. The Memorandum Circular No. 66 issued by Malacañang ensures that the conference will proceed smoothly while prioritizing public safety and service continuity. The suspension of work and classes on October 14 and 16, 2024, in Manila and Pasay highlights the country’s commitment to hosting the event successfully and addressing disaster risk reduction for the region.
This memorandum takes effect immediately and will ensure the smooth execution of one of the most important conferences in the Asia-Pacific in terms of disaster preparedness and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is APMCDRR?
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) is an international conference that focuses on disaster risk management, resilience building, and reducing disaster risks across the Asia-Pacific region.
When and where will APMCDRR 2024 take place?
The conference will be held from October 14 to 18, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Philippines.
Why is work and class suspension necessary on October 14 and 16, 2024?
The suspension aims to reduce traffic and ensure the organized conduct of the APMCDRR event, which will be attended by many international and local participants.
Are all government offices affected by the suspension?
Most government offices in Manila and Pasay will suspend work, except for agencies that provide essential services like healthcare, emergency response, and disaster preparedness.
Will private companies also suspend work?
Private companies can decide whether to suspend work based on their own needs. The decision is left to the discretion of their respective management.
How does APMCDRR contribute to disaster risk reduction?
APMCDRR brings together experts, government leaders, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to share best practices, set goals, and enhance disaster preparedness efforts. It aligns with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework to reduce disaster risks by 2030.
This memorandum from Malacañang underscores the importance of the event and the Philippines’ role in contributing to global disaster risk reduction efforts. The Memorandum Circular No. 66 ensures that everything is in place for the smooth and secure hosting of the APMCDRR.
