Search on for Phl disaster-resilient communities

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the 2013 International Day for Disaster Reduction, Sen. Loren Legarda announced yesterday the start of the search for the country’s disaster-resilient communities.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the Senate Committee on Climate Change are now accepting entries for the first Philippine Resilience Awards, said Legarda, the United Nations champion for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for the Asia-Pacific.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council supports the project. 

“In our continuing quest to build a safe nation, we must look at exemplary efforts so that we may enjoin other communities to strengthen their resilience as well,” Legarda said.

She cited the need to show local government units (LGUs) that disaster-resilient communities are doable goals.

“(That) we can fight climate change and we can save our communities from the threats of natural hazards,” said Legarda, who chairs the Senate committee on climate change.

The Philippine Resilience Awards will recognize communities that have excelled in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through compliance with various related laws, such as the Solid Waste Management Act, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, and the Climate Change Act; successfully implemented effective land-use planning, and made necessary investments to reduce disaster risks.

Applicants for the Philippine Resilience Awards 2014 should be LGUs that must meet a set of criteria, foremost of which is adherence to the “Making Cities Resilient: My City is Getting Ready!” campaign.

Participating LGUs must also submit to the UNISDR their Local HFA: Local Government Self-Assessment Report, which measures the progress of communities toward meeting the objectives of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), the global framework to reduce disaster risks.

The winner will be recognized as a Role Model for Resilience, and will receive a seedling bank from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and will be featured in UNISDR publications.

“Aside from the recognition, the award gives the winner that important role of engaging other leaders in disaster risk reduction efforts at future events,” Legarda said.

The award will be presented on Oct. 13 next year during the celebration of the 2014 International Day for Disaster Reduction.