Kolonia, Pohnpei – On September 21, 2023, the Honorable Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Aren B. Palik, attended the handover ceremony of Pohnpei’s new Emergency Operations Center Building. The building, located adjacent to the Pohnpei State Administration building, is situated in the heart of Kolonia, a prime location to serve as Pohnpei State’s fire station and Emergency Operation Command.
The Pohnpei State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Building is a product of collaboration between the generosity of the People’s Government of Japan (USD 7.4 million), coordination from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FSM Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM) and the endorsement of the Pohnpei State Leadership. The Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience in the FSM Project (EDCR) included the installing/upgrading of high frequency radios (HF) and very high frequency radios (VHF), which is also powered by solar energy. The sites included the following: National government (4 sites), Pohnpei (12 sites), Kosrae (6 sites), Chuuk (27 sites) and Yap (19 sites) to benefit approximately 73, 155 people throughout the FSM. The EDCR also included the upgrade of the FSM DECEM National Emergency Operation Center which was completed in December 2022. Kosrae State’s disaster readiness was also enhanced through supplying a fire truck, a bucket truck for tree clearing, a woodchipper, rescue equipment and chainsaws. Chuuk and Yap States benefited from the improved water resource management throughout their islands.
In his closing statement, the Honorable Aren B. Palik acknowledged the generous contribution from the Government of Japan through the Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience in the Federated States of Micronesia Project that not only benefits the people of Pohnpei but our other three States as well. “This project addresses one of our biggest threats which is climate change. On behalf of President Wesley Simina, I wish to reiterate the National Government’s continued commitment to aggressively address climate change at all levels from global negotiations to the community level, but especially to address issues at the frontlines where our people are feeling the impacts. We are proud to be part of this partnership and congratulate all for delivering on outputs that look at where the needs are and that deliver on concrete and practical outputs that enhance the capabilities of our people throughout the Federation.”
Joining Vice President Palik in attendance for the handover ceremony were His Excellency Hisashi Michigami (Ambassador of Japan), Jaap Van Heirden (United Nations Resident Coordinator) and Mr. Kevin Petrini (UNDP Deputy Resident Representative & Country Manager). Also attending from the National Government were Acting Secretary Brendy Carl (FSM Department of Foreign Affairs) and Acting Secretary Cynthia Ehmes (Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management). Representing the State of Pohnpei were the Honorable Governor Reed Oliver, the Honorable Speaker Marvin Yamaguchi (Pohnpei State Legislature), Patrick Carl (Director of Public Safety), and the Honorable Isonahnken Ihlen Joseph of the Chiefdom of U (Pohnpei State Public Auditor).
