Pacific Partnership steps up disaster preparedness amid strong earthquakes in Indo-Pacific

THE Pacific Partnership 2026 intensified its call for greater regional preparedness and coordination in disaster response, following a series of powerful earthquakes in the Indo-Pacific, including the deadly 7.8-magnitude quake in the Philippines.

In a virtual press briefing via Zoom on Wednesday, officials said their programs are focused on training first responders and the military in urban search and rescue and earthquake response operations, particularly in countries prone to earthquakes such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“Preparing for natural disasters to include earthquakes, and any other subsequent secondary disasters such as landslides, is within our skills set,” Mission Commander Robert C. Reyes said. “A lot of our subject matter expert exchanges are focused on our disaster scenarios to respond to earthquakes.”

Alain Lafrenière, deputy mission commander, added that activities include expert exchanges and field training exercises focused on urban search and rescue.

“The idea here is that we do some preparedness exercise, we learn how to cooperate together, we learn how to create the relationship that we need, so if we have to respond in an emergency, we’re much better prepared to do it as international colleagues,” Mr. Lafrenière said.

Asked how initiative aligns with Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ goal of maintaining strategic autonomy while engaging external partners such as the United States, Mr. Reyes said the program is centered on non-political humanitarian priorities.

“Pacific Partnership, again, like I said, in its core is to enhance disaster preparedness and resiliency within the countries in the region,” said Mr. Reyes, “We conduct the mission under four lines of effort, which is medical, engineering, host nation outreach, and disaster management.”

Mr. Reyes also said that the program addresses long-term mental health impacts of disasters, including post-traumatic stress disorder, through medical and host nation outreach efforts in coordination with local and regional organizations.

The mission includes stops in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines, with efforts in Fiji and Palau, aimed at strengthening disaster response systems and regional cooperation. — Pexcel John Bacon