Inauguration of a Civil Defense Center... Polish Aid

The inauguration of the regional and organic civil defense center in Al-Qubayat, funded by the Polish Aid program and implemented by the Polish International Assistance Association (PCPM), took place in the presence of Poland’s ambassador to Lebanon, Aleksandra Bogowska-Makajb, General Director of the Lebanese Civil Defense Colonel Rakan Emad Khreish, General Director of the Polish International Assistance Association (PCPM) Wojciech Filip, President of the Northern Akkar Municipalities Union and Mayor of Al-Qubayat Michel Abdo, Regional Projects Manager for the Middle East and North Africa, Rana Gabi, and several staff and volunteers from the Al-Qubayat civil defense center and other regional centers.

Following a tour inside the center, attendees were briefed on its departments, equipment, functions, and activities, as well as its role in enhancing the readiness and emergency response capabilities of the civil defense force in Al-Qubayat and the Akkar region.

Bogowska-Makajb

After the tour, the Polish ambassador delivered a speech emphasizing "the importance of close and continuous cooperation between the Polish Aid program and the Lebanese Civil Defense," highlighting "the existing relationship and collaboration with the municipality of Al-Qubayat and local municipalities and communities in the region."

Filip

On his part, the General Director of the Polish International Assistance Association affirmed the organization's "continued commitment to supporting Al-Qubayat and Akkar, where the association has been active since 2012," stressing "the importance of the development and humanitarian projects carried out by the association, and the ongoing cooperation with official institutions and local authorities, particularly the Lebanese Civil Defense, which contributes to strengthening their capacities and improving services provided to local communities."

Abdo

In turn, the President of the Northern Akkar Municipalities Union and Mayor of Al-Qubayat thanked the Polish people and government, Polish Aid, and the Polish International Assistance Association for the continuous support and vital projects implemented in Al-Qubayat and the region, expressing hope that "this cooperation will continue for the benefit of Al-Qubayat, Akkar, and its people."

Khreish

Meanwhile, the General Director of the Lebanese Civil Defense began his speech with a minute of silence in honor of the fallen civil defense and ambulance personnel who sacrificed their lives while serving Lebanon, reaffirming "the importance of supporting civil defense centers and enhancing their readiness, enabling their personnel and volunteers to carry out their humanitarian and national duties and respond effectively to various emergencies."

Medals

Finally, commemorative medals were presented on behalf of the regional and organic civil defense center in Al-Qubayat, recognizing the efforts and support provided.

It should be noted that the opening of the center is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Lebanese Civil Defense, the Polish Aid program (Polish Aid), and the Polish International Assistance Association (PCPM), aimed at strengthening civil defense capabilities, raising emergency preparedness and response levels, and ultimately serving the residents of Al-Qubayat and the broader Akkar region.