PH participates in World Conference on Disaster Risk Management

Sendai, Japan – In the ongoing 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, the 79 Philippine contingents, led by Senator Loren Legarda and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, have been meeting regularly to evaluate their presentations and to monitor feedback on local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) campaigns.

Last night, several points were raised to strengthen and promote DRR initiatives in the country:

Mainstreaming project-based DRR campaigns. To address the lack of sustainability development and disaster preparedness initiatives in the Philippines, stronger partnerships with the private sectors would have to be formed.

Media to promote actionable information. Media, being the fourth state, should not only amplify news and warnings during disasters. Part of their mission is to promote awareness on environmental issues and to simplify scientific terminology for the public.

Proactive families equal proactive communities. Disaster awareness begins at home. Families should be encouraged to involve themselves in community DRR initiatives carried out by the local government units.

Students to echo DRR curriculum at home. Though children are most vulnerable to disasters, they are also influential and effective communicators. As part of integrating DRR into education, lessons learned in school must also be transmitted at home.