Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer paid a courtesy call on Nancy Ward, Director of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) on August 8 at the Cal OES Headquarters in Mather, California
During the meeting, Consul General Ferrer congratulated Director Nancy Ward, who was appointed by the California Governor as Director of Cal OES on December 31, 2022, the first woman to hold the position.
The two officials held a dialogue on emergency management and shared experiences of the Philippines and California in disaster preparedness and response. Cal OES officials also shared how science and technology is contributing to effective emergency management in California. Consul General Ferrer proposed possible future collaborations with the Philippines on exchange of best practices and possible training on disaster preparedness and response.
During the meeting, Consul General Ferrer was also given a tour of the Command Center of the Cal OES, which undertakes monitoring and coordination during emergencies. Cal OES is the coordinating agency of the state of California in the areas of emergency preparedness, response, recovery and homeland security activities. Cal OES dispatches teams to assist those affected by disasters and other events that threaten public safety.
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer (second from right) and Cal OES Director Nancy Ward (third from right) with (from left to right) Cal OES Command Center Chief Mike Warren, Cal OES Deputy Director for Planning, Preparedness and Prevention Lori Nezhura, Assistant Director for International Affairs and Tribal Coordination Helen Lopez, and International Affairs Specialist Addy Jimenez
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer with Cal OES Command Center Chief Mike Warren at the Cal OES Command Center
