Los Angeles, 06 June 2014 – Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim was one of the featured panelists during the panel discussion held by the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region on 03 June 2014 regarding Preparedness, Response and Recovery: Six Months After Typhoon Haiyan.
Mr. Steve Levitan, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of Modern Family and American Red Cross LA Region Leadership Cabinet hosted the event held at the United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills, California. Other featured panelists included Mr. Ramsey Rayyis, American Red Cross Regional Representative, Asia, Mr. Luke Greeves, American Red Cross Executive Director, International Management and Planning, and Mr. Jarrett Barrios, CEO of American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.
Consul General Herrera-Lim talked about the experience of the Consulates in monitoring the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. The Consul General also shared the appreciation of the Filipinos for the support and assistance provided by various individuals and organizations, including the Red Cross, which already had people on the ground helping victims after the Typhoon. Mr. Rayyis shared the challenges and highlights of the Red Cross response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. He was moved by the resiliency of the Filipinos, especially the Philippine Red Cross volunteers who continued to give their time and their effort even if they were also victims of the typhoon. One of the main challenges remains to be access to the affected areas since the ports and supplies routes were destroyed. Mr. Rayyis also shared the Red Cross’ long-term recovery plan which included shelter support, water and sanitation systems, livelihood and disaster risk reduction seminars in affected areas. Mr. Greeves talked about the Red Cross’ tracing services in order to connect survivors to their relatives or friends within the Philippines or even abroad. Mr. Barrios cited the Prepare SoCal program as one of the models used particularly for earthquake preparedness.
The experience of the Philippines with Typhoon Haiyan emphasizes the continuous need for disaster preparedness even locally. The event ended with a time allotted for questions from attendees who were mostly American Red Cross volunteers and donors.
