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PH actively participates in World Conference on DRR

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In Sendai, Japan where nation leaders and representatives gathered for the 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Lucille Sering shared the climate change law in our country, stating that weather changes and climate extremes that include heat, heavy precipitation, droughts and storm surges, make more Filipinos vulnerable to risk exposure. “In 2020, dry season will become drier and wet season will become wetter,” Sering explained.

According to the Stern Review recommendations, countries must allocate at least 2% of its GDP to implement climate action. But in Sering’s report, only 0.3% was allocated in the Philippines, not enough to address climate-related needs. However, she said that government willingness for appropriations was relatively increasing.

Sering also emphasized the role of Land Use Planning in DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), which covers prohibiting development in certain areas, classifying areas affected by climate change, regulating zoning plans with legally binding status, and hazard modification.

“There is a strong synergy, we see that in the country,” Sering enthused as she shared the country’s experiences on catastrophic events that shook the Philippines in recent years.

Meanwhile, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman chaired the discussion on Preparedness for Disaster Response. This highlighted effective national and local DRR lifelines in five states, covering timely coordination, capacity building and cross-boarder response. Feedback from participants included contingency plans for education during calamities and disaster prevention, and prioritizing pilot projects in the most vulnerable communities.

During the session’s closing, Soliman stated that there must be consideration for the indigenous people, persons with disability, senior citizens, children in all the DRR initiatives. “There are many experiences of disasters around the globe, but there are many pockets of hope that attest to the power of human resiliency. Our discussions today served to reinforce this value so that even the least powerful can be strong even when disasters strike,” Soliman said.

The Philippine Youth Contingents

More than 250 comprised the world youth delegation in the conference. Fifteen from these are Filipinos—ten self-funded and five sponsored delegates.

One of the self-funded delegates is Quin Cruz who flew all the way from Pasig City. “Nakikita ko na palagi nating ginagamit ‘yung youth doon sa relief operation, yung volunteerism nila sa pagbibigay ng relief goods, pero marami pa pala pwedeng pasukan ang youth patungkol sa emergency response, recovery at preparedness. Marami pa palang aspeto na puwede nating pag-aralan kung puwede tayong magkaroon ng knowledge management, ng innovation, ng education para magamit yung underutilized power ng youth na maging part ng tutulong sa Disaster Risk Reduction.” (I noticed the youth usually gets involved during relief operations. But there are a lot of opportunities for us to help in emergency response, recovery and preparedness. There are many aspects that we can get involved in to widen our knowledge on management and innovation, and to utilize the youth’s capacity to help in Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives.)

All public forums are open for the youth contingents. As part of their closing ceremony yesterday, a special working session was dedicated to them entitled “Children and Youth: Don’t decide on my future without me.” This forum highlighted the youth’s rights and importance in DRR activities.