4. Human Resource Development
4-1. Human Resource Development and Information
Networking on Visiting Researcher (VR)4-1-1. Background
The ADRC started Visiting Researchers (VR) program in 1999. Since then, a total of 105
officials from 26 member countries have participated in the program.
In the program, VRs have opportunities to learn about knowledge, experience and expertise
about disaster risk reduction from Japan and other member countries and strengthen their network
among ADRC member countries and relevant organizations.
Also, VRs are expected to contribute to strengthening the capacity on disaster risk reductionback in their countries after the program and to further promote cooperation between ADRC andtheir countries.

4-1-2. Objectives
The objectives are as follows:To offer opportunities of capacity building of officers in charge of disaster risk
management of ADRC member countries,

To promote networking of ADRC member countries through VRs, and

To promote information sharing about latest disaster management and situations of ADRC
member countries.

4-1-3. Activities of Visiting Researchers in FY2017
In fiscal year 2017, a total of six researchers joined the program (three researchers each at thefirst and second terms). The first term started from August to November 2017 and the second
from January to April 2018.

(1) Armenia□ Ms. Kirakosyan Hasmik□Job title at the time of visit: Main Specialist of Department Seismic Disaster Risk
Reduction, Survey for Seismic Protection Agency, Ministry of Emergency Situation□She had the intention to research on the innovative methods and experience using forthe development of population preparedness to seismic disasters. She gathered
information and made analysis through lectures and visits to municipalities, schools
and relevant organization to conduct comparative analysis between Armenia andJapan and made recommendation to Armenia

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4. Human Resource Development(2) Bhutan□ Mr. Wangchuk Tashi□ Job title at the time of visit: District Disaster Management Officer, District
Administration, Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan□ He had the intention to study on mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction intodevelopment plan, policy, program and project in Bhutan's Five Year Plan. Through thelectures and interviews with experts of the central and local governments, he studied
the applicability of Japan’s practice to Bhutan.

(3) Philippines□ Mr. Calang Marc Gil□ Job Title at the time of visit：Civil Defense Assistant, Office of Civil Defense Caraga
Regional Office (OCD)□ He had the intention to research about disaster response and preparedness mechanismsof the Philippines and Japan. Through lectures and visits to various disaster responseorganizations, he gained understanding of Japan’s system and conducted comparative
analysis between the two counties and made recommendation to the Philippines forestablishing appropriate disaster response mechanism.

(4) Pakistan□ Mr. Brohi Nasur Ullah□ Job Title at the time of visit: Assistant Director, National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA), Prime Minister's Office□ He had the intention to study about Community-Based Early Warning System(CBEWS) in Pakistan. Focusing on communities with little access to customary Early
Warning System, he will study information dissemination methods and disseminationof disaster knowledge for awareness raising and early evacuation. He plans to visit
Japan Meteorological Agency, local governments, education sectors to learn thesituations of Japan’s Early Warning System and disaster education of community andmake recommendation to his country.

(5) Thailand□ Ms. Srikwan Puntatip□ Job Title at the time of visit: Plan and Policy Analyst, Department of Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Ministry of Interior□ She has the intention to conduct research about safety culture in Japan and to makecomparative analysis between Thailand and Japan. She will visit communities,
voluntary disaster management organizations and NPOs as well as take lectures fromexperts of disaster management organizations.

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(6) Viet Nam□ Mr. Pham Thanh Hong
□ Job Title at the time of visit: Scientific Research Specialist, Disaster Management
Center (DMC) Water Resource Directorate□ He plans to conduct a comparative study on landslide disaster management. For this,he will take lectures at landslide-related organizations and research institutes, central
and local governments and private companies to get wide range of information andknowledge on landslide monitoring and countermeasures.

Fig.4-1-1. Scenes from presentation and visits of VRs; country report presentation, visit toSapporo City Fire Department, disaster education event, Wakayama prefecture
landslide countermeasures (clockwise from left above)30