As the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 concludes, several questions linger, one of which is: Is the Philippines prepared for the “Big One” or for any future disasters?

Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum Jr. threw the question back to the media, stressing that preparedness must begin with individual emergency awareness, then extend to families and communities, with government support playing a supplemental role post-disaster.

Solidum revealed that DoST’s structural study of buildings and infrastructure in Metro Manila found that 10 to 13 percent are not disaster-resilient, as some were built before the Building Code was amended in 1992.

In response to the growing urgency to address disaster risks, experts are calling for an enhanced integration of disaster risk reduction strategies in urban and infrastructure planning.

Meanwhile, risk evaluation requires a collaborative, transdisciplinary effort that involves local governments, the private sector, and research institutions. This must account for geographical, geological, and socio-economic conditions, with outputs reflected in spatial and infrastructure planning.

Financial support

During the closing press conference, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said financial assistance for climate change mitigation remains the most critical form of support the Philippines requires from the international community.

She highlighted the urgent need for global collaboration to help the country adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, particularly in light of increasing climate risks.

A study conducted by the DoST revealed projections based on the climate from 1971 to 2000. These projections showed that in 2020, some provinces could experience temperature increases of 1.0°C, meaning a baseline temperature of 27.8°C could rise to 28.8°C.

Additionally, rainfall in these areas might increase by 25%, so a province with a baseline of 900mm of seasonal rainfall could see this rise to 1125mm. Projections for both high- and low-range scenarios for 2020 and 2050 were also compared. In response to these findings, Secretary Loyzaga urgently called for an improved inter-agency risk assessment framework, stressing that prevention remains the best solution to the looming threat of disasters.

APMCDRR 2024

Local government units, media organizations, private sector representatives, leaders from Asia-Pacific countries, and indigenous communities all participated in discussions about pressing environmental issues, proposed solutions, and commitments to achieving a sustainable future. The emphasis was on the importance of raising awareness and preparedness for risks and disasters. United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and UNDRR Head Kamal Kishore urged the media to enhance public awareness of these critical issues while highlighting the proactive measures taken by aligned government agencies and communities in disaster risk reduction. "What needs to be done to reduce disaster risks is to make the unseen seen," he stated, underscoring the need for transparency and vigilance in addressing these challenges.

In an impromptu interview at the closing ceremony of the APMCDRR 2024, Secretary Yulo also shared her key takeaway, she remarked, "For a resilient future, everyone must work together." This statement reflects the overarching theme of collaboration and unity among various stakeholders in tackling environmental challenges and enhancing disaster preparedness, not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also resonating across the world in a collective effort to build a safer and more sustainable future for all.