Tasminnie ISIMELI

A nationwide assessment has identified significant differences in the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s Provincial Disaster Centres, with some provinces continuing to face major challenges in staffing, funding, infrastructure and operational resources.The Provincial Disaster Centre Institutional Capacity Assessment covers all provinces and provides the national government with what Minister for Health and National Emergency Services Dr. Billy Joseph describes as a national picture of the strengths, gaps, and priorities of provincial disaster-management systems.He said that some of the provinces have established systems, experienced personnel, and strong relationships with provincial administrations and development partners.However, others continue to operate under significant constraints.“Others continue to face significant constraints in staffing, funding, office infrastructure, transportation, communication, information management, emergency planning and of course, operational resources.”The assessment is intended to establish a consistent national baseline for understanding those differences.Dr. Joseph said that the country has previously lacked a common framework that could be used to compare the capacity of Provincial Disaster Centres and identify where support is most urgently needed.The assessment now provides individual provincial findings that can be used by provincial administrations to determine where improvements and investment should be prioritized.The Minister stated that this includes looking at staffing levels, operational budgets, offices and emergency operations centres, transportation, and communication systems.Preparedness and contingency planning, information management, early-warning systems, standard operating procedures, and the training and professional development of disaster personnel are also highlighted as areas requiring attention.Dr. Joseph emphasized that the findings should not simply be treated as a list of weaknesses. Instead, he acknowledged the dedication of the provincial disaster personnel who continue to respond to emergencies despite operating with limited resources.“It also recognizes the commitment and resourcefulness of our provincial disaster offices and the provincial administrators and the offices, many of whom continue to respond to emergencies under very difficult conditions and with limited resources.”He further added that the assessment gives government and its development partners an opportunity to determine where investment will have the greatest impact.A practical capacity-development roadmap is expected to follow the assessment, identifying immediate priorities as well as medium and long-term investments.Dr. Joseph also urged the development partners to use the assessment when deciding where future disaster-risk-management support should be directed, while cautioning that providing equipment alone will not solve the capacity problems that the provincial disaster centres face.“Equipment is important, but equipment alone will not create an effective disaster management system,” he said, explaining that effective disaster management also requires capable personnel, clear responsibilities, coordination mechanisms, adequate financing, reliable information systems, leadership, and procedures that can be activated before, during, and after an emergency.The assessment therefore provides an opportunity for PNG to move beyond isolated projects and towards sustained investment in provincial disaster-management institutions.Dr. Joseph concluded that the ultimate measure of the assessment will be whether its findings are turned into planning, budgeting, training, and practical improvements at the provincial level.

Papua New Guinea’s provincial administrations have been reminded that they already have a legal responsibility to lead disaster management in their respective provinces under the National Disaster Act of 1984.Speaking at the presentation of the Provincial Disaster Centre Institutional Capacity Assessment, Minister for Health and National Emergency Services Dr. Billy Joseph said the responsibility of provincial authorities is clearly established in law.He said the Act provides for a Provincial Disaster Committee in every province, with the Provincial Administrator serving as its chairman.The Minister said provincial disaster management should therefore not be treated as a new responsibility arising from recent government decisions.“It is not a new creature,” Dr. Joseph said.He said the provincial disaster committees have existed under the legislation for decades and were established specifically to ensure disaster response is managed as close as possible to affected communities.“You have always been existing since 1994 pursuant to this Act.”According to Dr. Joseph, the National Disaster Centre is not intended to take over the responsibilities of provincial authorities, but to coordinate support to them.“At the National Disaster Center, we are supposed to coordinate all support to you.”He said information about disasters must begin at the community and district levels, with provincial authorities responsible for collecting and reporting information before assistance is coordinated nationally.Dr Joseph also stated that the decentralized structure means provinces must take greater ownership of their disaster management responsibilities.“I think by this Act, the management of disaster is now a decentralized function.”He also called on provincial governments to ensure disaster management is reflected in their planning, budgeting and administrative structures.He said provincial authorities need to be aware that they are among the first responders when disasters occur.“The first respondents in any disaster, whether it be a serious issue like El Nino, or Cyclone Maila, or landslide in Mulitaka or any disaster, the Provincial Disaster Management Committee led by the Provincial Administrator, you must be aware, it is your job to be ready.”He acknowledged that provinces face different challenges, however, stronger local capacity is essential because disasters are first experienced at the community and provincial levels.The Minister’s comments come as government, and its development partners work to strengthen provincial disaster management systems across the country.The first-ever national institutional capacity assessment covers all 22 provinces and is intended to identify areas where provincial systems require greater support.

UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea Shalini Bahuguna has called for stronger provincial disaster management institutions and greater investment in local capacity to help the country better prepare for and respond to disasters.Speaking at the recent launch of the Provincial Disaster Office Institutional Capacity Assessment Report, Bahuguna emphasized that Provincial Disaster Officers are at the frontline of disaster response, playing a critical role in linking national authorities with communities.The assessment highlights several critical challenges facing Provincial Disaster Offices, ranging from limited staffing, inadequate infrastructure, and equipment shortages to a lack of technical expertise, weak information management systems, and severe resource constraints.Despite these obstacles, Bahuguna acknowledged the deep commitment of provincial officers who continue working around the clock during disaster responses.Stressing that strengthening local capacity must remain a national priority, Bahuguna called for greater investment in institutions rather than solely relying on physical infrastructure such as vehicles, satellite equipment, warehouses, and buildings.Effective disaster management, she argued, equally depends on skilled personnel, clear policies, strong leadership, reliable information systems, and seamless coordination.“Investing in strong institutions means investing in a PNG of today and tomorrow, to stand in its 50th year of independence in an independent and self-reliant way.”Bahuguna urged the government, humanitarian organizations, financial institutions, and development partners to align their support around shared priorities and direct resources to the areas of greatest need.She noted that the immediate focus must shift from assessment to action through strong partnerships, pointing to the response to Cyclone Maila in East New Britain as a prime example.In that instance, strong communication enabled local-level officials to quickly relay critical information to Provincial Disaster Offices, allowing targeted assistance to be mobilized as soon as blocked access roads were cleared.To sustain this progress, the UN Resident Coordinator presented three key requests to the Government of Papua New Guinea.She called for continued progress on reviewing and strengthening the Emergency Management Act so the legislation can be brought before Parliament.She urged the development of stronger, interconnected health and emergency response systems deeply linked to local communities.Lastly, she welcomed the Government's commitment to a coordinated response plan that prioritizes reaching vulnerable populations while building long-term resilience.Bahuguna reaffirmed the United Nations’ ongoing commitment to supporting the Government, the National Disaster Centre, provincial administrations, and development partners in building disaster preparedness across the nation.“The way forward is clear,” she said, stressing the importance of continued partnership to build resilient institutions and communities across PNG.

Australia remains committed in helping Papua New Guinea strengthen its disaster preparedness and response systems, particularly at the provincial level.Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Madeleine Moss made the commitment during the launch of the Provincial Disaster Office Institutional Capacity Report.Moss said the report provides an important opportunity for the PNG Government and its partners to identify weaknesses, address capacity gaps and improve disaster preparedness across the country.She stressed that the assessment should not be viewed as a measure of performance, but as a practical tool to guide future improvements.“It is not a scorecard, it is a tool,” she said.Moss acknowledged the work of Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, the National Disaster Centre, provincial disaster offices and international partners, involved in strengthening PNG’s disaster management systems.She said Australia, together with the United States, the International Organization for Migration, (IOM) and other partners, would support PNG as it considers and implements the recommendations of the report.The Minister-Counsellor also highlighted Australia’s broader humanitarian partnership with PNG, including assistance in strengthening early warning systems through cooperation with the National Weather Service, the Minerals Resources Authority and Geoscience Australia.She said an enhanced humanitarian assistance and disaster relief package announced during the 2025 Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum would focus on infrastructure, coordination and partnerships.The package also includes professional exchanges between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency and PNG’s National Disaster Centre.Moss said Australia’s Australia Assists program continues to provide technical support by deploying specialists to disaster management offices when required.She noted that Australian experts are currently supporting the National Disaster Centre and the Bougainville Disaster Office.During recent cyclone responses, she said Australia also deployed additional specialists, including an Australian Defence Force liaison officer who worked alongside the PNG Defence Force to support coordination and relief operations.Australia, together with the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, also assisted in delivering food and other relief supplies to disaster-affected communities.Moss said strengthening disaster preparedness was particularly important as PNG and other Pacific countries continue to experience challenges linked to El Niño conditions.She said Australia would continue to stand ready to support the PNG Government and disaster authorities when emergencies occur.“PNG is a great, resilient country, but even the most resilient communities can be challenged during these times,” Moss said.Moreover, she stated that disaster preparedness must ensure that the effects of emergencies are reduced, particularly for vulnerable people relying on schools, hospitals and community services. Moss also reflected on her recent visit to Southern Highlands Province, where she witnessed the resilience of local communities and Australia’s assistance following an earthquake.She recalled being told by a school headmaster that the community had raised funds to support Australians affected by the devastating 2019 bushfires.She also said that the gesture highlighted the strong and reciprocal relationship between PNG and Australia.“Australia helps PNG and PNG helps Australia,” she said.She further stated that this partnership had become even more significant following the signing of the Mutual Defence Treaty between the two countries last year.Australia would continue working with PNG and other development partners to strengthen disaster management capacity and help communities better prepare for future emergencies.In concluding, she expressed confidence that through stronger coordination and partnerships, PNG would be better positioned to respond to future disasters.

Community organization Abus Na Kumu is supporting three Papua New Guinean sporting teams preparing to compete in Cairns, Australia, with a combined contribution of K20, 500.The support is being provided through its Friends of Abus Na Kumu community outreach initiative, which aims to give back to communities and support local sporting teams.As part of this effort, the organization has donated K5, 000 each to the Matupit Diggers, Newtown Chiefs, and KA Brothers, totaling K15, 000 in direct financial support.The three teams are preparing for the Cairns tournament, scheduled for October 29th to 31st.In addition to the direct donations, Abus Na Kumu also successfully bid K5, 500 for signed Queensland Reds memorabilia, further increasing its overall support to K20, 500.Owner of Abus Na Kumu, Richard Mark, highlighted that community support remains a core part of the organization’s commitment to making a positive contribution to Papua New Guineans.“Our community is important and we try to do our part to contribute positively towards our people.”“It is part of us paying forward with the blessings others have been kind enough to share with us.”Mr. Mark explained that the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that success and blessings should also be shared with others.The funding will directly assist the three teams with their preparations and participation in the Cairns tournament, while highlighting the role of community and private-sector support in helping PNG sporting teams compete overseas.Wishing the Matupit Diggers, Newtown Chiefs, and KA Brothers the best of luck in the tournament, Abus Na Kumu reiterated the guiding principle behind its outreach effort:“Pasin Stap. We must share our blessing and pay it forward.”

Defending champions, the Igam 1134 Croc, are calling on businesses in Lae, Morobe Province to support their campaign as they prepare to defend the PNGDF Commanders Cup Rugby 15s title.The 2026 tournament will be held from September 14th- 24th, following an amendment from Rugby 10s to Rugby 15s.The change is aimed at aligning the competition with preparations for the Military Rugby Cup 15s in Fiji, giving participating teams an opportunity to strengthen their preparation ahead of the international competition.Igam 1134 Crocs Team Manager Major Derek Levi says the team is aware of the pressure that comes with being defending champions but remains confident in its preparations.He says the mood in camp is calm, while new players have settled well into the squad.Major Levi describes the Crocs as humble, confident and passionate- qualities he believes will be important as they face strong competition.He stated that managing soldiers on the rugby field requires the same level of discipline and focus expected during military training.“You have to be strict and disciplined, and above all maintain morale.”The Crocs have a history of success in military rugby, winning the inaugural 15s Cup in 2011 at Goldie River Training Depot and again in 2022 and is determined to add another title to that record.“We are taking the Cup again this year, no doubt.”However, support from the business community could provide an important boost to the team’s campaign.Major Levi has encouraged potential sponsors from Morobe to come forward and support the Crocs, saying sponsorship would not only assist the team but also demonstrate the pride of Morobe and Lae City.The Crocs will face competition from the 1RPIR Diggers, Basilisk Marlins and Goldie Warriors as they chase a back-to-back title.For Major Levi, retaining the Cup would be more than another sporting achievement.Should they successfully defend the trophy, Major Levi stated the team will host a small fellowship to honor Anutu, whom they credit as their primary source of strength.Looking ahead to the opening match, Major Levi closed with a spirited rally cry: “Asa Sum Ba!!!! Who Says No!!!”

TISA Bank Limited has entered into a Strategic Referral Partnership Agreement with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited to provide vehicle financing options to Toyota customers.Under the agreement, customers purchasing Toyota vehicles and other eligible products can be referred to TISA Bank through Toyota Tsusho PNG dealerships and sales channels.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Luke Kaul said the partnership will strengthen access to financing for customers seeking to purchase vehicles.Mr. Kaul said the agreement combines TISA Bank's financing solutions with Toyota's established dealership network.Toyota Tsusho PNG and Ela Motors CEO, Masaru Mikami, said the arrangement will provide customers with a more convenient pathway to financing when purchasing vehicles.The partnership also includes staff training, customer support, reporting, and joint marketing activities between the two organisations.The companies expect the referral arrangement to strengthen cooperation between TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG, while supporting growth in vehicle financing.

TISA Insurance Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited to strengthen insurance support for customers purchasing vehicles through the Toyota network.The agreement is designed to bring insurance services closer to the vehicle purchasing process, giving customers a more streamlined way to protect their vehicles after purchase.Speaking at the MOU signing, TISA Insurance Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeremy Norton said the partnership brings together three important elements of vehicle ownership — the vehicle, financing and insurance.Mr. Norton said the arrangement will make it easier for customers to access these services through established brands.“We want to make it easy for people, and people should be able to access those things all in one place at the same time,” Mr. Norton said.He said the partnership also reflects the importance of building long-term business relationships that deliver value to customers and the companies involved.Mr. Norton highlighted the longstanding presence of both the Toyota and TISA brands in Papua New Guinea, saying they have built strong relationships and trust within communities.The MOU will complement vehicle financing options available through TISA Bank, while expanding the insurance support available to Toyota customers.

Ela Motors has introduced the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 petrol hybrid electric vehicle to its lineup, offering customers increased power and torque alongside hybrid technology.Ela Motors Chief Operating Officer Denzel Robertson said the Land Cruiser 300 is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol hybrid engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.He said the vehicle delivers 340 kilowatts of power and 790 Newton metres of torque.According to Mr. Robertson, the new hybrid powertrain, represents a significant increase in performance, with 52 percent more power and 13 percent more torque than the previous model.He said the Land Cruiser 300 also features electric valve steering and a large-capacity dual fuel tank, supporting longer-distance travel.Mr. Robertson said while the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux was the focus of the day's launch, Ela Motors was also proud to showcase the Land Cruiser 300 hybrid as one of the latest hybrid vehicles to join its lineup.He invited guests attending the Hilux launch to view the Land Cruiser 300 and experience its features.The introduction of the hybrid Land Cruiser adds another electrified vehicle option to Ela Motors' Toyota range in Papua New Guinea, combining high-performance capability with hybrid technology.

Ela Motors has reflected on its more than six-decade journey in Papua New Guinea as the company marked another milestone with the official unveiling of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux.Speaking at the launch, Ela Motors Chief Executive Officer Masaru Mikami said the company’s history in Papua New Guinea dates back to 1963, when it began providing mobility solutions before the country’s Independence.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors started from humble beginnings with a commitment to bringing reliable transport and mobility solutions to Papua New Guineans.“Over the decades, the company has grown alongside the country and established itself as a major player in Papua New Guinea's automotive and mobility industry.”Mr. Mikami said the company’s growth has been driven by innovation, reliability, and long-term partnerships with customers, communities, and stakeholders.He said mobility has always been an important part of human development, allowing people to travel, connect, conduct business and access opportunities.He highlighted that connection between mobility and development remains central to the company’s approach; thus, the latest Toyota Hilux represents another stage in Ela Motors’ journey of introducing new technology and mobility solutions to Papua New Guinea.Chief Operating Officer Denze Robertson echoed these sentiments, attesting to the important role that Hilux has played in Papua New Guinea over the years, serving a wide range of customers and industries.He added that the vehicle has proven its reliability across different environments, from the streets of Port Moresby to some of the country’s most challenging provincial terrain.The Hilux has also become widely used in construction, mining, business operations, commercial fleets and by families and individuals.Mr. Robertson said this widespread use demonstrates the importance of vehicles that can adapt to Papua New Guinea's diverse operating conditions. “The ninth-generation Hilux has been developed with greater performance, technology, safety and comfort while continuing Toyota's long-standing focus on quality, durability and reliability.”Mr. Robertson further stated that the vehicle range caters for different customer needs, from the hard-working single-cab designed for commercial applications to higher-spec models aimed at customers seeking greater comfort, technology, and off-road capability.According to Mr. Mikami, the launch is not only about the introduction of a new vehicle but also reflects the continued evolution of the mobility sector.As Papua New Guinea continues to develop, demand for reliable transport remains important for businesses, communities and individuals.Therefore, Ela Motors intends to continue adapting to those changing demands by combining its experience in the country with innovation and new automotive technology.The company will remain focused on providing reliable mobility solutions while strengthening its partnerships with Papua New Guineans and supporting the country’s development.

Ela Motors has reflected on its more than six-decades of journey in Papua New Guinea, as the company marked another milestone with the official unveiling of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux.Speaking at the launch, Ela Motors CEO Masaru Mikami said the company's history in Papua New Guinea dates back to 1963, when it began providing mobility solutions before the country's Independence.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors started from humble beginnings with a commitment to bringing reliable transport and mobility solutions to Papua New Guineans.Over the decades, the company has grown alongside the country and established itself as a major player in Papua New Guinea's automotive and mobility industry.Mr. Mikami said the company's growth has been driven by innovation, reliability and long-term partnerships with customers, communities and stakeholders.He said mobility has always been an important part of human development, allowing people to travel, connect, conduct business and access opportunities.That connection between mobility and development, he said, remains central to the company's approach.The latest Toyota Hilux, Mr. Mikami said, represents another stage in Ela Motors' journey of introducing new technology and mobility solutions to Papua New Guinea.Chief Operating Officer Denzel Robertson said the Hilux itself has played an important role in Papua New Guinea over the years, serving a wide range of customers and industries.He said the vehicle has proven its reliability across different environments, from the streets of Port Moresby to some of the country's most challenging provincial terrain.The Hilux has also become widely used in construction, mining, business operations, commercial fleets and by families and individuals.Mr. Robertson said this widespread use demonstrates the importance of vehicles that can adapt to Papua New Guinea's diverse operating conditions.The ninth-generation Hilux has been developed with greater performance, technology, safety and comfort while continuing Toyota's long-standing focus on quality, durability and reliability.Mr. Robertson said the vehicle range caters for different customer needs, from the hard-working single-cab designed for commercial applications to higher-spec models aimed at customers seeking greater comfort, technology and off-road capability.The launch, Mr. Mikami said, is not only about the introduction of a new vehicle but also reflects the continued evolution of the mobility sector.As Papua New Guinea continues to develop, demand for reliable transport remains important for businesses, communities and individuals.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors intends to continue adapting to those changing demands by combining its experience in the country with innovation and new automotive technology.The company says its focus will remain on providing reliable mobility solutions while strengthening its partnerships with Papua New Guineans and supporting the country's development.

The 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) has carried out a community cleanathon as part of an initiative by its Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Jarope.The activity focused on promoting community engagement and improving cleanliness across areas surrounding Taurama Barracks, including Manu Auto Port, Vadavada and Funky.The initiative also aims to promote hygiene, food and water security and preventive health practices while strengthening cooperation between the military and nearby communities.The cleanathon forms part of 1RPIR’s broader commitment to supporting healthier and cleaner communities.