Loren to Pinoys: Learn to adapt to evolving Phl weather system

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren Legarda on Wednesday reiterated the need for the public to adapt to changes in the country's weather system to prevent the loss of lives during strong typhoons.

“Fundamentally, adapting to our fast-changing environment entails constant assessment of risk in our midst. It is high time that every local development planning and programming seriously considers the threats posed by natural hazards and climate change and aim at reducing exposure and losses in lives, livelihoods, and properties,” Legarda said.

Legarda said hazard maps and risk assessments must be basic planning tools used by every local government. “Our LGUs must know where it is safe to let their constituents reside, where it is appropriate to build infrastructure, and where it should be off-limits to people and structures,” she said.

With climate change and extreme weather events as the 'new normal', Legarda reiterated that the country cannot afford recurring tragedies and disaster losses from typhoons such as Sendong and Pablo in Mindanao.

“As we face anew the difficult task of recovering and rebuilding from the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao, we ought to revisit the lessons of the past and relearn the lessons we seem to never learn,” Legarda said in her privilege speech.

Legarda underscored community awareness and action in disaster risk reduction, sound development planning, and the political will to make things happen can make the difference in saving lives and building a safe and resilient community.

It is estimated that in every destructive typhoon season, the country loses as much as two percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and further costs the country two percent for reconstruction or a combined economic setback of almost five percent every year.

“Certainly, reducing disaster risk effectively for sustainable growth is a mark of good governance and good political leadership. To make a difference in this sphere is clearly the leadership challenge of our fast changing times,” Legarda added.