June 10, 2025
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, Office of Civil Defense craft MoU for enhanced disaster response
By Dorothy Castro
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) officially sealed a partnership on June 5, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening their joint efforts in risk reduction and disaster response.
Held at the OCD’s headquarters in Camp General Emilio The MoU signing was led by OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno and Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
The two parties’ signatures on this momentous agreement symbolize a wider reach of response to communities, a sharing of skills and resources to make disaster relief efforts possible. This includes on-the-ground assessments, unified planning and coordination for disaster response, logistical support, and implementation of environmental protection efforts.
A highlight of this agreement is training and capacity-building efforts provided by OCD, known for its Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers program. As a second- or third-liner responder to disasters, Tzu Chi will benefit from the comprehensive awareness and skills-training on how to respond to calamities.
This partnership is the result of the two institutions’ steadfast commitment to uplifting communities during disasters, with the continued effects of climate change. Last year, the country experienced five consecutive typhoons, causing massive destruction and millions of displaced families.
Mitigating climate change and responding to disaster-stricken communities are the essence of Tzu Chi’s missions of environmental protection and charity. In 2024 alone, Tzu Chi initiated numerous disaster relief efforts, including typhoons Carina (Gaemi), Kristine (Trami), and Marce (Yinxing), among others.
Likewise, the Office of Civil Defense has long been preparing for disasters and informing the general public of climate threats, one of their projects being the National Task Force Kanlaon, a response to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon in the island of Negros. Additionally, the agency has been closely monitoring weather conditions with the rainy season.
Given these common initiatives, CEO Yuñez believes that “effective disaster response cannot be achieved in isolation. Cooperation with local government units is vital for swift and efficient relief operations.” This makes way for private organizations like Tzu Chi to reach beneficiaries at a faster rate while preventing duplication of efforts, properly allocating assistance to many families affected.
On June 5, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense formalized an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for disaster preparedness and response.
OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (second from left) shakes hands with Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez before the MoU signing.
Representatives from the Office of Civil Defense and Tzu Chi Philippines gather to formalize the agreement for disaster preparedness and response.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) and OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
Representatives from the Office of Civil Defense and Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines applaud after a successful MoU signing.
Representatives from the Office of Civil Defense and Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines pose together for a group photo after a successful MoU signing.