UN cites Philippines for disaster resiliency

MANILA, Philippines — With its vast experience in natural disasters, the Philippines has been lauded by a United Nations agency for its disaster risk reduction measures.

In a recent forum held at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) cited the Philippines for being at the forefront in handling disasters like typhoons and floods.

Mami Mizutori, special representative of the UNISDR secretary, praised the Philippine government and private sector for their initiatives in making the country one of the most disaster resilient.

“I have been wanting to come to the Philippines because of the importance of what your country is doing promoting disaster risk reduction not only here and in the region but also globally. You are one of the most advanced in terms of preventing disaster risks from affecting you tremendously,” she said.

Mizutori cited as example the public-private partnership on disaster management being spearheaded by UNISDR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) – Philippines and the National Resilience Council (NRC), both led by Hans Sy, chairman of SM Prime Holdings. 

She said the country is on its way to achieving the many aspects of the Sendai Framework on disaster preparedness because of its integration of DRRM in the disaster management plan in national and local levels.  

She added that the partnership of ARISE PH and NRC is “a good practice and deserves to be replicated in other countries.”