MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda and Ms. Margareta Wahlström, Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), both called for greater action and enhanced cooperation among sectors of society to build the Philippines’ resilience.
Wahlström is currently in the Philippines to work on several initiatives, including looking into rehabilitation efforts in Yolanda-affected communities.
Legarda, UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, welcomed the UNISDR Chief and expressed her full support to the organization’s continuing advocacy in promoting DRR.
“Even with the passage of landmark laws on climate change and disaster resilience, we continue to engage the government and all sectors of society in improved multi-lateral partnerships on disaster risk reduction and management programs,” the Senator said.
In a meeting with members of government agencies, academe, private sector and the diplomatic corps, Legarda and Wahlström stressed on the need to map out a strategy to strengthen resilience in Yolanda-affected areas and the country as a whole.
Wahlström pointed out that DRR is doable and it would not take long to see the gains because the country already has the necessary laws. However, the greater challenge is how to turn policies into effective action.
Wahlström also cited Legarda as a “super champ” who has always taken the lead in inspiring and motivating key stakeholders to ensure that disaster resilience will be everybody’s business.
Meanwhile, the Senator stressed on her commitment to continue on with her mission, this time with the Safe Schools campaign.
“We have initiated the regional DRR workshops, lectures on climate change in schools, distribution of disaster preparedness manuals and geohazard maps in local government units, and now we will work towards making every school in every barangay safe and resilient. We have a lot of work to do and we all have to work together and in synergy towards a unified action for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the country,” said Legarda.
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