On April 11, 2025, the Asia-Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Philippines (A-PAD PH), in collaboration with Philexport Cebu, hosted an Awareness Seminar that brought together Philex Cebu members at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel. The seminar aimed to introduce to the Philex community the A-PAD PH programs and advocacies, as well as discuss basic concepts of disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) and multisectoral partnerships for microenterprise resilience.
Philexport Cebu is the umbrella organization of all exporting sectors in the Central Visayas region. Mr. Fred T. Escalona, Executive Director of Philex Cebu, formally opened the event, emphasizing the vital role of good governance in disaster management.
Ms. Ella May Perote, A-PAD PH Partnership and Advocacy Coordinator, introduced the organization, tracing its history, leadership structure, and core mission. Perote elaborated on A-PAD PH’s ongoing programs and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting disaster resilience.
Ms. Marites Belen, A-PAD PH Training Coordinator, presented the Basic Concepts DRRM and the role of multi-sectoral partnerships in enterprise resilience. Furthermore, Belen introduced the Microenterprise Resilience Program (MRP), detailing its objective, phases, and shared vision for and of resilience.
Meanwhile, Ms. May G. Sarmiento, Marketing and Project Manager of Philex Cebu, particularly expressed appreciation for the presence of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI), given the former’s scope and reach in Cebu and the latter’s advocacies through its foundation.
The seminar concluded with a shared understanding of the need for more inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable approaches to disaster resilience, anchored on multi-sectoral cooperation, good governance, and proactive capacity-building for microenterprises.
