Philippines: ‘Communities key to mitigating disaster risks’

By Cai Ordinario

Local communities are essential to managing risks and building resilience in the era of climate change, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a statement delivered at the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2019: A High-Level Roundtable Discussion in New York, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said community-driven disaster-risk reduction is the [Philippine’s] “best hope” when disasters strike.

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He added that the poorest and vulnerable communities also participated in identifying disaster risks and prioritizing efforts to manage these risks.

The communities, Pernia said, organized themselves, assessed their situation, crafted project proposals, and implemented and maintained their community projects.

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