²ÝÁñÊÓƵ of Santo Tomas College of Nursing, in collaboration with The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) and in cooperation with the University of Santo Tomas Nursing Association International (USTNAI), hosted two climate change and disaster preparedness events last November 2018, namely the 25th anniversary conference of TIEMS (November 14-16) and the 3rd disaster preparedness seminar of the UST College of Nursing (November 13).
The conference, which had as its main topic “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation: Plans, Preparation, and Collaborative Strategies,” was included lectures, presentations, and panel discussions, which discussed the importance of disaster preparedness through detailed planning and collaboration with members from various fields of experience. Presentations and workshops were done by the World Bank on Disaster Risk Management, Disaster Risk Reduction Communication Platform by TIEMS Korea, State of Civil Protection in the World, Preserving Cultural Heritage, How to Predict the Next Big Earthquake in Manila, the AMaDeUs Approach, and Civil Protection during Disasters.
The delegates shared their knowledge and experiences regarding disaster management with the aim of moving toward finding the best solutions to make disaster risk reduction efforts effective and sustainable and at the same time develop more responsive and resilient communities. The conference also gave emphasis on the vitality of one’s initiative and volunteerism in extending help to victims of disaster. In addition, it gave an insight to the audience on what type of leader could empower ordinary individuals and inspire them to push for good disaster leadership.
The event was attended by local delegates from different institutions, namely: Cavite State University, Chinese General Hospital, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, Don Bosco College, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Medical City South Luzon, Unibersidad de Santa Isabel, University of Luzon, University of Makati, University of the Philippines College of Nursing, UST National Service Training Program, Philippine Navy, Silliman University, UST Hospital, and Laguna College of Business Administration, and international delegates from Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Croatia, France, India, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, U.S.A, South Korea, South Africa.
TIEMS was established in Washington, D.C. in 1993 and registered in Dallas, Texas, before moving to its present main office in Belgium in 2006.
