Philippines’ Priorities and Initiatives in Disaster Risk Reduction Featured at Global Meeting in Bali
Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana delivers the Philippine statement via pre-recorded video during the 7th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction on 23-28 May 2022 in Bali, Indonesia. (Geneva PM photo)
BALI 28 May 2022 – The Philippines highlighted to the international community its priorities, policies, and initiatives in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 7th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, delivering the national statement via pre-recorded video, shared the Philippines’ recent achievements in DRR, including strengthening national and local governance and institutionalization, implementing the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, rolling-out innovative and science-based platforms and applications such as the GeoRisk Philippines Initiative, upscaling support for local communities, among others.
"As the complexity of risk increases due to the potential impacts of multiple hazards across geographic boundaries, systems, and sectors, the Philippines commits to addressing the key challenges identified since 2015, including lessons learned from pandemic-related social and economic concerns," Secretary Lorenzana stated. He recognized emerging issues such as climate change and displacement, and reaffirmed the importance of a whole-of-society approach in promoting adaptive governance for resilience. He emphasized the importance of data governance, and stressed that innovation and science and technology are the way forward.
Secretary Lorenzana cited how the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Plan 2020-2030 recognizes the centrality of risk and focuses on an all- hazards approach to address the four priorities for action of the Sendai Framework. He stated that the recent updating of this national blueprint “promotes locally-led and ecosystem-based DRR and climate change adaptation, assures public-private partnerships, and invites public health investments.”
Secretary Lorenzana underscored the Philippines’ resolve to continue engaging with regional and international partners in enhancing resilience against disasters of countries and communities, especially the most vulnerable.
During the Ministerial Roundtable on "Scaling-up Disaster Risk Reduction to Tackle the Climate Emergency", Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services of the Department of Science and Technology Renato U. Solidum, Jr. stated that the Philippines is addressing the climate emergency through its DRR initiatives.
“We should promote locally-led ecosystem-based DRR and climate change adaptation strategies, and invest more in local capacity development and empowerment” Undersecretary Solidum urged. Highlighting coordination at all levels and the crucial role of local communities, he advocated for a multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach that promotes inclusivity and contextualizes disaster and climate-sensitive interventions. He shared that the Philippines has been implementing disaster risk financing initiatives at both national and local levels.
Finally, Undersecretary Solidum called for mainstreaming resilient infrastructure, and stated that DRR investments should be an integral part of development, poverty alleviation, fiscal stability, and sustainable economic development.
The 7th Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in Bali, Indonesia on 23-28 May 2022. The Philippines was represented in-person by a team composed of various government agencies (DFA, DOST, DND-OCD, and DSWD), local government representatives, private sector partners, and civil society organizations. END
Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services of the Department of Science and Technology Renato U. Solidum, Jr. represented the Philippines at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Scaling-up Disaster Risk Reduction to Tackle the Climate Emergency”. (Geneva PM photo)
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