During my DWAR Abante Radyo 1494 KHZ WALANG ATRASAN program this morning, former Transportation Undersecretary Dante Velasco — a recognized crisis management expert — shared his insights on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to create a Crisis Management Committee in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the war in Iran. 

Velasco emphasized that such a committee should ideally be composed of two distinct bodies: 

Crisis Management Committee – tasked with operational planning and decision-making during emergencies. 

Crisis Communication Committee – responsible for informing and guiding the public, ensuring transparency and cooperation. 

According to Velasco, these committees should not be reactive but standard policy and practice, organized even before a full-blown crisis erupts. “This should actually be explained to the public so everyone can cooperate while we as a country prepare for emergencies,” he noted. 

Velasco also underscored the importance of unity despite political differences. “The Presidential Office has initiated efforts to deal with the impending crisis. That’s well and good! Despite our political differences, now is the time to unite and deal with this emergent crisis,” he said. 

He further commended President Marcos for personally welcoming repatriated Filipinos at Villamor Air Base, who were evacuated from conflict zones in the Middle East. “Some good word for Presidential leadership is called for,” Velasco remarked, stressing that leadership in times of crisis deserves acknowledgment. 

In essence, Velasco’s message is clear: proactive crisis management and communication are vital national safeguards. The creation of these committees is not just a bureaucratic exercise but a necessary step to protect Filipinos and strengthen national resilience in uncertain times.