Israelis to hold disaster preparedness trainings in Cebu towns in November
THE Israeli government will conduct trainings on disaster preparedness in Cebu towns starting November.
During Thursday’s celebration of Israel’s 66th Independence Day, Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-on said it’s one way of “showing our continuous support for the Yolanda victims especially in northern Cebu.”
Last month, the Israeli embassy conducted a five-day disaster preparedness workshop for officials and employees of the Cebu provincial government.
Israel likewise sent military doctors, medical personnel and soldiers from its defense forces to Bogo City where they conducted humanitarian missions.
“Based on our experiences we decided to offer our help in order to help local government units (LGUs) understand and know what to do in case of disasters,” Bar-on said.
Aside from trainings Eyal Ben Ari Kschapitzki, president of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said they are also encouraging Israeli businessmen to invest in the country.
“Our desire also is to support the sustained economic growth of the Philippines,” he said.
Ferdinand Sarfati, former president of Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said the trade between the two countries is growing since last year when it poured in P300 million in investments.
He said Israel can offer its expertise in technology, homeland security, agriculture, information technology and telecommunications.
“Those are the things that we want to bring to the Philippines. All the technologies that Israel has can be brought here so Filipino businessmen can access technology and advancement,” Sarfatti said.
“If there is direct flight then it will also boost the economy and the tourism aspect of the countries,” he added.
Nigel Paul Villarete, general manager of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) said a pending agreement for direct flights awaits approval from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
Ambassador Bar-on also said Israel only requires a working visa for Filipinos. He said there are more or less 300 Israelis staying in Cebu.
“Cebu has a stable economic growth despite the challenges that it encountered last year.
The challenges are not the reason to stop but to find solutions and progress,” Sarfatti said.
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