emi

EMI had a meeting with Mr. Pit Heltmann, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Manila, on 17 January 2008 to discuss the implementation process and structure of the EMI-DKKV/FFO project on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in Metro Manila and Kathmandu through risk-sensitive land use planning and disaster management planning. Mr. Heltmann, who is a Geography major with training in urban and regional planning, expressed interest in the project and requested to be informed of key benchmarks throughout the implementation period (Nov. 2007 - Oct. 2009).

At the meeting, EMI also presented Mr. Heltmann with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with Makati City, as well as various other reports and brochures related to its previous work in Manila. Mr. Heltmann recognized the urgency of the project's objectives, noting the importance of its outcome in linking disaster management and development.

The briefing was attended by members of the EMI project team, namely, Dr. Fouad Bendimerad, Project Director; Dr. Reynaldo Guioguio, Project Coordinator; Dr. Marqueza Reyes, Task Leader for Land Use Planning; and Ms. Tara Ledesma, Task Leader for Training. Makati City, the pilot city in Metro Manila, was represented by Atty. Violeta Seva, Senior Advisor to the Mayor and concurrent General Secretary of EMI.