Office of Civil Defense, Tzu Chi Foundation Join Forces for Stronger Disaster Resilience

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines formally entered into a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the OCD Headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The MoU marks a significant step in helping reinforce the nation’s disaster preparedness and response efforts through closer collaboration between government and humanitarian organizations.

The signing ceremony was led by Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, and Henry Yuñez, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines. Also in attendance were key officials from both organizations, including OCD Assistant Secretaries Cesar M. Idio, Henry A. Robinson Jr., and Carlos A. Bathan, as well as Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang and other representatives from Tzu Chi Foundation.

In his remarks, USEC Nepomuceno underscored the urgent need for enhanced cooperation, noting that the Philippines remains the most vulnerable country to natural disasters according to the latest World Risk Index. “We have much catching up to do, and this responsibility cannot be carried by the government alone,” he stated. “We must work hand-in-hand with local government units, national agencies, and crucially, with our partners from the private and non-government sectors. The private sector, and organizations like Tzu Chi, are key to securing a safer future for our people.”

Echoing the sentiment, CEO Henry Yuñez emphasized Tzu Chi Foundation’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian aid in the Philippines, having provided over three decades of consistent support in times of need. “This MoU is not just a formality,” said Yuñez. “It is a pathway to greater impact. One of the biggest barriers to effective disaster response is access to timely, accurate information. With this agreement, we now have a direct line to OCD’s data and coordination mechanisms, allowing us to deploy resources faster and where they are needed most.”

The partnership aims to bolster disaster resilience, risk reduction, and mitigation efforts nationwide. It promises to streamline operations between OCD and Tzu Chi Foundation, ensuring that communities affected by calamities receive prompt and targeted assistance.

“This collaboration,” Nepomuceno concluded, “is about ensuring no one is left behind.”