Magen David Adom Complex, Jerusalem
September 4, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the disaster response and rehabilitation system of Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) as he witnessed its operations and simulations of joint responses to different scenarios at the MDA Complex in Jerusalem.

“You got it right. The rescue was punctual and I would say that — and precise, the way you handled it. Of course, it could have been a product of several practices, but it shows that you are very efficient,” President Duterte said.

According to the Philippine Commander-in-Chief, there are a lot of terror attacks all over the world, and the Philippines is no exception. After viewing the simulation of the MDA’s response system and its state-of-the-art command and control system, the President hoped for the Israeli government to help the Philippines on this aspect.

“We have a similar thing like that in my city, but it needs a lot of improvement. Of course, the way you handled the response was very important. And I think that we have to improve on that, “ he added.

As a National Red Cross Society in the State, the MDA has given humanitarian medical relief to different countries in need after the occurrence of natural disasters, epidemics, and acts of terrorism and violence since its establishment. In 2006, the MDA was considered a full member of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ICRC). The organization’s admission to the ICRC enabled it to shift not only as a provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the citizens of Israel, but also as one of the disaster relief providers in the world.

The MDA is a national, statutory non-governmental organization in Israel being supervised by the State’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and National Comptroller.

*  *  *