Filipino Might, Rising Through Every Fight

Filipinos are known to be survivors of numerous circumstances and a strong fighter

during desperate situations. We always manage to survive from several untoward incidents,

not only that, we emerge more strongly and even more determined to face whatever odds

may come. These factors, combined with socio-economic issues like poverty, contribute to the country's vulnerability. As a result, the need for a more

resilient Philippines is increasingly urgent.

The Philippines has made significant progress in the areas of disaster risk reduction

and climate action, and now looks to strengthen resilience in response and outcome. These

includes the establishment of early warning systems, it focuses on streamlining local

disaster management and enhancing capacities to detect and forecast early warning

information. Community awareness will be raised through Information, Education, and

Communication (IEC) campaigns, utilizing social and digital platforms to improve risk

knowledge. The government also implemented the Construction of Bunkhouses or

Temporary Shelters Program, which provide temporary or transitional shelters for displaced

families in the absence of any community facility to temporarily shelter them while awaiting

the construction of their damaged shelters. These efforts aim to reduce the loss of lives,

minimize economic damage, and improve recovery processes.

 

However, several challenges hinder the full resiliency of the Philippines. One major

issue is the weak coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. The current DRRM

structure where authority is shared, responsibility is dispersed and resources are scattered,

renders it difficult to operate an effective emergency management activity. Another is weak

implementation of laws and policies. The lack of governance and weak enforcement of

disaster management-related laws has led to the proliferation of establishments and

informal settlers in low-lying and high-risk areas (no building zones). Addressing and

improving the current DRRM system would make a significant contribution to protecting the

people and national development.

                                         

References:

By Ba         Barbara Mae  Dacanay, Bureau Chief. (2018, October 29). Eighth tropical depression to test Filipinos’ spirit of resiliency. Philippines – Gulf News.https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/philippines/eighth-tropical-depression-to-test-filipinos-spirit-of-resiliency-1.1061328

BRONSTEIN, P. (2024, March 11). Sustainable Earth: Disasters. Natgeofe.com; PAULA BRONSTEIN. https://i.natgeofe.com/n/79dd0b3b-0038-4d3c-a947-a8e3a0ecb9d5/52801.jpg?w=1280&h=960