Local execs learn from Japan disaster programs

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino officials recently attended a caucus in Japan on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for effective governance organized by the United Nations International Strategy on Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

“We are looking at how we can improve our flood prevention program and learn from the Japanese experience,” said Cainta, Rizal Mayor Ramon Ilagan, who was one of the participants in the UNISDR conference held in the south central Japanese city of Kobe.

The Hyogo prefecture experienced massive destruction during the Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake that killed more than 6,000 people on Jan. 17. 1995, prompting the Japanese government to come up with an effective disaster management system.

Ilagan said they launched the “Save the Cainta River” movement following the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy” in 2009.

Corazon Jimenez, general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, said officials of Metro Manila could learn from the Japanese experience, particularly in Hyogo where anti-flooding measures have been put in place.

“Basing on what has been discussed, it is clear that the flood control program should be a cooperative effort among all the local government units and not just by one segment of the metropolis,” Jimenez said.

Other participants in the UNISDR forum were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Alfredo Arquillano of San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu, and provincial board member Plaridel Sanchez VI.

The Philippine government is set to implement the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the National Climate Change Act of 2009.

The Filipino officials were also briefed by Masatoshi Matsumoto, manager of the erosion control division of Hyogo prefecture, on the establishment of Sabo dams in the Rokko mountain range to prevent landslides in the Kobe area.

In a videotaped message to the caucus participants, Sen. Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of bringing to the Filipino people the benefits of disaster risk reduction measures.

“Disaster risk reduction is a fundamental strategy in achieving the Millennium Development Goal. This caucus would help draw effective strategies to win the battle against climate change,” said Legarda, who has been appointed by the UNISDR as the regional champion on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.