The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), one of the country’s major private sector coordinators for disaster resilience, recently formalized a strategic partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Clark, Pampanga. The agreement marks a significant step in advancing coordinated disaster preparedness, resilience, and climate adaptation between the two institutions.
The MOU outlines specific areas of cooperation, including information exchange, hazard monitoring, capacity development, and coordination between ADB and PDRF. These initiatives are designed to enhance institutional readiness ahead of the typhoon season and strengthen long-term response capabilities for future emergencies.
PDRF was represented by its President, Butch Meily; Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo Luz; Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon; and Operations Center Director, Arnel Capili.
During his remarks, PDRF President Butch Meily shared, “The partnership between a premier multilateral development institution such as ADB and a leading private sector disaster management organization such as PDRF is important for the Philippines and the world. We are going to achieve great things together and blaze a new trial for others to follow.”
ADB was represented by HK Yu, Vice-President for Administration and Corporate Management (VPAC); Lakshmi Menon, Director General of the Corporate Services Department; Pamela Chiang, VPAC Senior Advisor; and Mark Gibb, Director of the Organizational Resilience and Security Division.
During the ceremony, VP HK recognized PDRF’s work in helping communities become more resilient and better prepared for natural disasters, and thanked PDRF for partnering with ADB to strengthen the institution’s organizational resilience. In her remarks, she said, “We commend PDRF’s work in helping communities become more resilient and better prepared for natural disasters. Our partnership is an important step in strengthening ADB’s business continuity and organizational resilience. It also reflects ADB’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to advance preparedness, coordination, and long-term resilience amid growing risks.”
Through this partnership, the ADB and PDRF seek to strengthen institutional and operational linkages that support disaster resilience, improve climate adaptation, and promote meaningful private sector engagement. The collaboration is also expected to contribute to broader resilience efforts across the ASEAN region, leveraging both organizations’ extensive networks and expertise.
