The Consulate of Georgia in the Philippines, led by Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr, is actively supporting the earthquake preparedness and environment clean-up activities of the City of Manila. This is in line with the environment and disaster management advocacy of Consul Cunanan, which he will soon be introducing to Georgia, in partnership with public and private stakeholders. Both activities were centered in Baranggay University Town (University of Santo Tomas) in collaboration with community leaders and police officials.

On September 20, Consul Cunanan was the guest speaker at “CleanTourtainment Day”, the culminating event of World Clean Up Month, organized locally by non-government organization Clean Up The Philippines. Consul Cunanan addressed the community on the need for collaborative endeavours to maintain and protect the environment. He also informed the crowd about ongoing initiatives of his consulate to build great cooperation in environment protection between the Philippines and Georgia. Together with local officials, police officers, VIP guests, and private sector partners, Consul Cunanan led the symbolic clean-up of Lacson and Dapitan Streets.

Earlier, Consul Cunanan, together with visiting foreign dignitaries, members of Congress, and community leaders, also participated in University Town’s official earthquake preparedness drill. Entitled “Shake Drill”, the exercise was part of a nationwide campaign, carried out simultaneously in local government units all over the country, to ready communities for earthquakes and the possible after effects. In his speech, Consul Cunanan highlighted the importance of disaster preparation, citing as an example the devastating floods that hit Tbilisi in June. He later led the symbolic walk through the community to raise awareness of the advocacy. Consul Cunanan is working with Georgian public sector partners on a disaster preparedness and emergency planning seminar to be conducted by a Filipino expert in Georgia in 2016.