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| Photo courtesy of Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction PH Facebook page |
by: Jimmyley Guzman
PASAY CITY, (PIA) — Gender and development (GAD), and environment protection champion, Senator Loren Legarda called on the government, private sectors, and other stakeholders to further strengthen collaboration towards inclusive and innovative solutions on disaster risk reduction (DRR).
During the plenary session at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Wednesday, the honorable senator called on government leaders, private organizations, academe, and other stakeholders to further gender-responsive and disability-inclusive disaster risk governance.
“Inclusivity is not a choice. It is a necessity if we are to build a truly resilient society,” said Legarda.
The senator underscored that gender-responsive risk governance recognizes that women and girls are not merely victims, but leaders and agents of change.
“Globally, one in five girls is married before the age of 18. Girls are nearly likely to be twice to miss out on education as boys. These girls have already have a vision for a future where they can thrive. And our role is to ensure that they have the resources, the education, and leadership opportunity for that vision to turn that vision into reality.”
Legarda added that women, girls, and all marginalized groups must harness their creativity and ingenuity – leaving no one behind.
She also underscored that disability-inclusive governance is equally critical.
“Persons with disabilities must be included in all stages of disaster risk management, from risk assessment to recovery. We must ensure that early warning systems, evacuation procedures, recovery plans are accessible to everyone, removing each and every barrier that prevents full participation.”
The lawmaker rallied the support of the government and all stakeholders to transform to risk governance urgently.
“As we surge towards 2030, we must urgently transform risk governance to confront the complex challenges of our time.”
“Leaving no one behind must drive the renovation of risk governance. We must take a look at hazards, risks and vulnerabilities. Women, girls, persons with disabilities, indigenous people’s communities, marginalized groups must be at the heart of shaping the post 2030 disaster risk governance framework, post Sendai. Ensuring their leadership in building truly resilient and inclusive systems,” she added. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
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