Albay named global disaster response champ

MANILA, Philippines - The province of Albay was recently named the first-ever Disaster Response Champion in the recent Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Shanghai, China because of its comprehensive disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs. 

Sponsored by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, ICLEI, Development Information Network (DEVNET) and UN Habitat, the event gathered local chief executives of cities and provinces worldwide in a global campaign to encourage them to invest more in disaster mitigation programs. 

During its presentation at the Forum, Albay introduced how it interphases climate change, environment, DRR and poverty in its development programs. The province’s framework states that climate adaptation begins with DRR and climate mitigation is integral to environmental protection.

It also includes improving urban planning, installation of early warning systems, public preparedness drills, and climate change mitigation measures, among others.?

Albay Governor Joey Salceda was also named “Campaign Champion” by Margareta Wahlström, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for DRR.  Campaign Champions are recognized for their achievements in promoting DDR, and will take part in high-profile international events as spokespersons for making cities resilient against disasters.??

“We now know, and every citizen in the province knows, that disaster risk reduction is a good investment because it increases business returns, expands investments and produces welfare,” says Salceda, an advocate of disaster preparedness who joined the campaign in May.?

Because of frequent occurrence of typhoons and eruptions of Mayon Volcano, Albay has embarked on a zero-casualty goal for its DRR programs. The province has some 200 air, land and water vehicles and over a thousand medical, rescue and emergency response personnel.