Marcos Jr. calls for deeper cooperation on DRR

 

RTVM screenshot

by: Jerome Paunan 

MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged stronger international collaboration on disaster risk reduction (DRR) when he hosted a warm courtesy call and a ministerial dinner for the delegates of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) at the Ceremonial Hall, Malacanan Palace in Manila.

Speaking at the event, Marcos emphasized the urgency of implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Our vision is clear: to reduce disaster risks and losses, and in doing so, protect lives, livelihoods, and the social and economic assets that underpin our societies,” he said.

The President highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. He stressed that climate change is now central to all government planning and policy discussions.

Marcos then called for innovation and closer cooperation among nations to address the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards.

He emphasized the need to leverage science and technology and ensure accessible disaster risk reduction financing.

The conference brings together experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region to share best practices and strengthen partnerships.

Attendees included representatives from various countries, including Palau’s Vice President Uduch Sengebau-Senior and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Senators Loren Legarda and Cynthia Villar, both strong advocates of DRR and climate change adaptation and mitigation, were also present.

Marcos concluded by expressing hope for an “adaptive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable” Asia-Pacific region.

The conference, hosted by the Philippines in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), aims to advance regional efforts in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

As the first regional platform since the adoption of the Political Declaration of the Sendai Framework Midterm Review, the APMCDRR 2024 is held under the working theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia-Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction,” and also providing an important opportunity to review risk reduction efforts, share innovative solutions and make actionable commitments to accelerate disaster risk reduction by 2030 in the world’s most disaster-prone region. (JCO/PIA-NCR)