The Department of Science and Technology partners with the Department of Interior and Local Government-X and the Office of Civil Defense-X on effective disaster mitigation through the forum, Managing Risks and Good Governance conducted at the HANDA Pilipinas 2023 in Mindanao leg.
Attended by 120 participants coming from various LGUs in the country, the forum covered topics aimed to afford LGUs with broadened perspectives on disaster mitigation aided by policies on effective risk management and best practices carried out under a framework with good governance. The event was held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on October 5, 2023.
OCD 10 Regional Director, Dr. Antonio B. Sugarol discussed relevant laws, policies, and global references on DRRM. He also briefly discussed the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 which aims to achieve the reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods & health over the next 15 years.
“The Sendai Framework underscores the importance of understanding risk in developing policies and strategies towards an effective DRRM” RD Sugarol said.
For a more local context of discussion, RD Sugarol also discussed Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, Ambisyon Natin 2040, National Climate Change Action Plan 2011 – 2028 and the National Security Policy 2023-2028.
Financial Literacy advocate and Bukidnon 1st district representative, Hon. Jose Manuel F. Alba, discussed the importance of financial resilience, the ability to cope financially when faced with a sudden fall in income or unavoidable rise in expenditure. He also discussed Financial Education as a systematic process of acquiring financial literacy that enables people to better manage their financial lives and optimize the benefits of accessing financial services.
“Are Filipinos financially prepared to manage an economic shock due to disaster?” Rep. Alba asked the crowd. Critical to this question, the honorable legislator introduced house bills, HB 6792a, HB 3135b, HB 4752c,HB 5038d and HB 5288e with the goal that Financial Resilience is not just about surviving but rather about finding opportunities to continue thriving.
Best Practices of LGUs in Good Governance Integrating Gender and Development was shared by Ms. Junelyn R. Corpuz, the municipal DRRM officer of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. She has also introduced “LUWAS”, their local DRRM structure composed of the four (4) main pillars, Disaster Prevention & Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response & Early Recovery, and Disaster Rehabilitation & Recovery. LGU Kapatagan is a consistent Gawad Kalasag Awardee.
DOST agencies PTRI, FPRDI and PCAARRD also showcased bamboo technologies and innovations, these include the Design and Development of Multi-Functional School Furniture, Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology, and Industry Strategic Plan (ISP) on Bamboo (2022 – 2028) which targets increased annual commodity yield, planting coverage, planting materials production and improved socio-economic status of farmers.
Mr. Alfonso P. Alamban, previous regional director of DOST-10 acted as a rapporteur for part two (2) on Ways Forward for Bamboo Innovations as a Strategy in Managing Risks or Climate Change Adaptation. “The challenge of the bamboo revolution is the absence of one focal institution and lack of perfect information Hence, more studies should be undertaken along with vigorous transfer of bamboo technologies. Alliances have to be built for the fragmented initiatives as big players are also involved ” he said.
This well-attended forum was only one of the many activities of HANDA Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Nationwide Exposition, with the theme, “Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability for Mindanao.” Moreover, the forum was conducted as part of addressing the Sendai Framework Priority on Understanding Disaster Risk. (Bonita Manguilimutan/DOST10)
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