During the Third Leader’s Forum held last August in the Philippine Embassy, Vice Consul Arnel Talisayon presented the updated emergency evacuation contingency plan for Filipinos in case a massive need to leave South Korea arises. A visual description of the plan was shown.
Talisayon says that as all Philippine embassies around the world are mandated to have contingency plans in order to protect Filipinos around the world in anticipation of events outside normal circumstances, such as wars or natural disasters, General Roy Cimatu visited Korea in June of this year. Cimatu is deemed most appropriate for the job as one of those who led the team who massively evacuated Filipinos from the Middle East during the Gulf War.
Speculations arose that the contingency plan was set in place in order to respond to the rising tensions with North Korea, brought about by the sinking of the naval ship Cheonan. However, Talisay on clarified during the forum that tensions between the two Koreas would unlikely evolve into an all-out military confrontation. He says that aside from closely following reports in the media, the embassy also works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UN Command, as well as receiving word from South Korea President Lee Myung-bak that they will exercise diplomatic resolutions and avoid all possible acts that may lead to confrontation. Aside from which, Talisayon advises that with the fast Internet bandwidth of the country, foreigners are also advised to keep themselves aware for information on current events, to avoid unnecessary panic wherever they may be.
Asked what the embassy may be willing to assist with should there be a need to implement the contingency plan, Talisayon responds that, “The Philippine Government will arrange and coordinate the provision of amenities such as food and lodging in convergence areas. Transportation from South Korea to the Philippines will also be arranged, whether by air or sea.”
Further, the embassy chose to link this to their ongoing Financial Education Campaign project. Talisayon adds that, “Individuals should also know how to plan for the future and be ready for unforeseen events. The Financial Education Campaign touches on ways a person can make the most of his or her stay in South Korea by providing a forum where the varied issues on financial management can be discussed.” He emphasizes during the forum that preparing for the future and keeping Filipinos aware and safe is not the responsibility of the Philippine government alone, and that the people should be prepared to whatever situation may arise, with or without external assistance........By C. Estarija
(see attached map)Let's pray everything will be under control...
