The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) successfully conducted the very first Metrobank Foundation Fellowship in Public Service (FPS) Conversations last Oct. 13. In celebration of the International Day on Disaster Reduction, the inaugural leg of the FPS webinar series focused on the theme, “Disaster Management.”
Dr. Carla Dimalanta, 2018 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher, and Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, 2019 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldier, shed light on the interplay of equally crucial approaches in handling disasters such as preparedness, response, and recovery.
Dr. Dimalanta from the University of the Philippines Diliman highlighted the role of Geophysics in assessing geo-hazards and identifying vulnerable areas during her presentation entitled “Knowing Without Seeing: Geophysics in Disaster Management and Resource Assessment.” She shared how this knowledge, in turn, aids in the development of responses as well as in equipping residents with ways to better handle such phenomena.
Dr. Dimalanta is the only female Exploration Geophysicist with a doctoral degree in the country. Her work includes helping identify community-specific measures on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Baldomar of the Philippine Army presented the “Role of the Military during Humanitarian Emergencies.” He discussed how the military serves as frontliners in providing significant resources and extending aid to communities during disasters and calamities. One scenario he cited is the work done by the forces, in collaboration with other relevant organizations and the civil society, in mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lt. Col. Baldomar has served in the military force for over two decades. His experience involves participation in several humanitarian emergencies and responses to various forms of disasters.
“What we aim to do in the Inaugural FPS Conversations is to raise the awareness of technological advancement as well as share knowledge acquired from years of experience and study, which contribute to the prevention and reduction of detrimental effects of disasters and calamites,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. He added that the conversations allowed the participants to better appreciate the efforts toward ensuring an efficient and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Approximately 200 participants from the academe, government, and civil society registered and participated via Zoom and Facebook Live. Next on FPS Conversations are topics including, How not to be a victim of Cybercrime/Online sexual exploitation and Integrating Genomics in Clinical Practice towards Precision Medicine.
To re-watch the full-length webinar, you may head over to this link bit.ly/33TeCcQ, or visit the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Facebook page.
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