ASEAN dialogue highlights stronger preparedness and collective approaches to disaster management and regional resilience
On 19 August 2026, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig attended the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management (SPDDM) 2026, held under the theme “10 Years of One ASEAN, One Response: Re-envisioning ASEAN’s Collective Response to Disasters”.
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong delivered the Opening Remarks as Guest of Honour, calling on ASEAN to shift from reactive disaster response towards proactive anticipatory action and strengthen preparedness across the region.
The event was co-organised by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). More than 200 government officials, civil society leaders, academics and practitioners gathered to discuss the future of ASEAN’s disaster management and resilience.
On the second day, Ambassador Macaraig, together with Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Egberto O. Dacoscos PA (GSC), joined other participants on a site visit to Marina Barrage and the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. They learned about Singapore’s water supply, flood control and water management strategies, environmental sustainability efforts and climate change adaptation measures.
The participants also visited the SCDF Marine Division Headquarters for an overview of SCDF’s work and maritime emergency response capabilities.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
