June 2019: A Farewell to Manila

Towards the end of June 2019, I travelled to Manila for what would be my last visit in my role as the Emergency Rapid Response Coordinator for Southeast Asia. This trip was special as it marked the end of an incredible chapter in my professional life, filled with rewarding experiences and meaningful collaborations.

A Time for Goodbyes

The visit was primarily to handover my responsibilities to the colleagues who would take over my role. It was a bittersweet moment, as I reflected on the years I had spent working closely with ECHO, the EU Delegation, and numerous partner organisations in the Philippines. Saying goodbye to the talented and dedicated individuals I had worked with was emotional. Together, we had faced challenging emergencies and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people affected by disasters and conflict in the region.

Farewell to Makati and Manila

Beyond the professional handovers, this trip gave me the chance to say goodbye to Makati and Manila, two places that had become like a second home to me over the years. Manila, with its bustling streets, rich history, and energetic vibe, had left a lasting impression on me. Makati, with its modern skyline and dynamic community, had been the backdrop for countless meetings, dinners, and moments of reflection.

I took some time to revisit the places I loved most in Manila—the old quarter of Intramuros, the lively streets of Binondo, and the scenic waterfront of Roxas Boulevard. These places encapsulate the unique contrasts of Manila, a city where history and modernity coexist so vibrantly.

Looking Ahead

This farewell to Manila wasn’t just about leaving a role—it was also a moment to look ahead. As I prepared to transition to a new chapter in Panama, I carried with me the lessons, friendships, and memories forged during my time in Southeast Asia. While it was difficult to say goodbye, I left with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to have served in this capacity and to have experienced the warmth and resilience of the Filipino people.

Manila will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope that my work there, alongside my incredible colleagues and partners, made even a small difference in the lives of those we were striving to support.

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June 2019: A Sentimental Mission to Indonesia

In June 2019, I travelled to Indonesia once again, this time to follow up on the humanitarian projects responding to the aftermath of the December 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami. The mission was both professional and personal for me, as it marked my last trip to Indonesia in my role as the Rapid Response Coordinator for Southeast Asia—a role that had brought me to this incredible country many times.

Field Visits: Kalodran, Caringin, and Sumberjaya

After initial meetings in Jakarta, I travelled to the affected areas of Kalodran, Caringin, and Sumberjaya. These regions had faced severe devastation during the tsunami, and it was heartening to witness the progress of the recovery projects we supported. The humanitarian interventions included:
• Shelter and housing reconstruction to provide families with safer and more resilient homes.
• Livelihood support to help communities restart their income-generating activities.
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to ensure access to clean water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Education in emergencies, focusing on restoring access to schooling for children affected by the disaster.

The visit was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Indonesian people, who continuously rebuild their lives despite living in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.

Jakarta: Civil Protection Emergency Centre

Back in Jakarta, we visited the Civil Protection Emergency Centre, an advanced facility tasked with monitoring emergencies both within Indonesia and across the ASEAN region. I was particularly impressed by the modern technology and the coordination mechanisms in place to issue early warnings and oversee disaster responses. The system integrates real-time data, weather forecasting, seismic monitoring, and communication tools to ensure that communities receive timely alerts and that response teams are well-coordinated.

This visit highlighted the significant progress Indonesia and ASEAN countries have made in disaster preparedness and management—a crucial effort given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

A Memorable Journey

The trip was especially meaningful because I was accompanied by my new Thai colleague, Nueng, whose dedication and talent shone throughout the mission. Her professionalism and commitment to the work were truly inspiring, making her an invaluable partner during the trip.

This being my last mission to Indonesia in this role added a sentimental layer to the journey. Over the years, I had built connections with many people and witnessed the strength and perseverance of communities recovering from unimaginable challenges. Indonesia had left a deep imprint on me, and it was bittersweet to know that this chapter of my humanitarian work was coming to a close.

Reflecting on Indonesia

Indonesia remains a country of extraordinary contrasts—devastated by the forces of nature but fortified by the resilience of its people. This mission was not just about monitoring projects but also about appreciating the progress made, the partnerships built, and the shared commitment to helping those in need.

As I departed, I carried with me a profound sense of gratitude for all the lessons Indonesia had taught me, and for the opportunity to contribute, however small, to the recovery and growth of its communities.

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