SINGAPORE WELCOMES PHILIPPINES' SUPPORT FOR CHANGI REGIONAL HADR COORDINATION CENTRE

There is a meeting of minds between Singapore and the Philippines on the need for a 24/7 regional coordination centre which fills the gap immediately after a disaster strikes, and the affected country's command and control systems are denigrated, if not wiped out.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said this at a media interview during his introductory visit to the Philippines from 24 to 26 Sep. He was referring to the recently-inaugurated Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Centre (RHCC) in Changi, which was set up to provide a more effective response to disasters in the region, by facilitating military-to-military cooperation.

Dr Ng explained that when a disaster strikes, "there will never be enough hands on deck. There will always be short of resources, whether it's manpower or medical care or supplies that are needed. And the RHCC fills this gap in building up partnerships and relationships."He added that the RHCC was not meant to displace any organisations, but would "work in partnership with existing and even new organisations that want to come on board".

During his visit, Dr Ng met Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire T. Gazmin who expressed support for the Changi RHCC. They discussed issues that were "common challenges", such as regional security, where both ministers "agreed that the resolution of issues in the South China Sea was required...through diplomatic initiatives, not military ones". They affirmed that, "from the security point of view, it will be very good for increased military-to-military exchanges" as that would enhance understanding among different militaries, and improve relations.

Dr Ng and Mr Gazmin also reaffirmed the warm bilateral defence relations between the two countries and agreed to an annual bilateral defence policy dialogue chaired at a senior official level. "I think this is a significant commitment and one that will help us...move our bilateral relationship a step further," Dr Ng said.

On 25 Sep, Dr Ng visited the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operations Centre in Manila, which deals with natural disasters in the Philippines.

Dr Ng's visit to the Philippines underscores the warm relations between Singapore and the Philippines. Both countries' armed forces interact regularly through visit exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and other professional interactions.