ARISE Philippines Explores Private Sector–AFP Collaboration in Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

ARISE Philippines paid a courtesy call on General Antonio G. Nafarrete, the 61st and incumbent Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), at the OCSAFP, GHQ Building of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on 8 October 2026. The visit aimed to explore potential collaboration between the private sector and the Office of the Chief of Staff on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building.

Representing the private sector, VADM Alexander P Pama (Ret.), Chairperson of the ARISE Philippines, in his capacity as the Head of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Committee of the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC), with ARISE Philippines Executive Director Dr. Joseph B. Bacareza, discussed possible areas of cooperation with the Office of General Nafarrete, including J3 (Operations), J7 (Civil-Military Operations), and J9 (Reserve Force Development).

During the meeting, General Nafarrete welcomed a partnership with ARISE Philippines, particularly on capacity building and humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness through the alliance’s network of members.

ARISE Philippines and its members, the National Resilience Council represented by Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda, and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza B. Silerio, presented their respective programs to General Nafarrete and expressed openness to program opportunities for collaboration.

The AFP also appreciated VADM Pama’s active role in the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC), particularly his focus on the private sector’s role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

As ways forward, ARISE Philippines and the AFP will further explore possible collaboration on disaster preparedness and capacity building, with particular focus on Incident Command System (ICS) training and technical assistance.

The courtesy call reflects ARISE Philippines’ continuing commitment to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships that strengthen disaster resilience and support effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the Philippines.