Setting the Scene According to the World Risk Report of 2018, the Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to disasters. The country lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where 80% of earthquakes occur. Around 20-25 typhoons ravage the country every year, leading to the loss of lives and millions of damages to infrastructure and … Continue reading The Spirit of Bayanihan
Brunei: small in land, but big-hearted people
Finally arrived after an inconvenient snowstorm in hometown Denver delayed us before we ever got off the ground; just enough to miss the connection to Hong Kong and then Brunei. Delays long forgotten after being warmly welcomed by Nabilah and with each successive meeting here. A morning meeting with the Department of Environment, Parks and … Continue reading Brunei: small in land, but big-hearted people
A week in Merauke, the eastern most city in Indonesia
On Friday morning, March 4th, Aprianto and I visited the Merauke Regency Government office that handles infrastructure planning. We met with two planners, Samuel and James, and their manager. I shared information about Charles County and our government structure. We discussed enforcement challenges experienced in the Merauke region when multiple provinces share resources and have … Continue reading A week in Merauke, the eastern most city in Indonesia
Different Continents; Similar Challenges!
Myinmu’s Administrator Let me first profess my love for the people of Myanmar! Everyone I have met is kind, welcoming, and genuinely friendly! Meeting with local officials in Myanmar has been both a pleasure and an honor. The nation is a very young democracy. As we know, the business of building consensus and moving forward … Continue reading Different Continents; Similar Challenges!
