By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Photo from: The Philippine STAR, Noel Pabalate
For the first time, the Philippines hosts the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) with the theme, “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction”. The conference officially began on Monday, October 14.
Various government representatives across Asia-Pacific, civil society and international organizations, scientific experts, the private sector, academic groups, and stakeholders were gathered to discuss and strengthen cooperation in enhancing disaster risk reduction and resilience patterned on the blueprint and guide on the course of action of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Call for Collaborations
In the ministerial dinner in Malacañan on Monday, President Marcos Jr. called for a stronger collaboration as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction only has five years to succeed.
“All our efforts is climate change—an issue that we have integrated in our national and regional policies. From investment strategies to policy implementation, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation are now central to how we shape our future,” he said.
“The increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards call for deeper innovation, for closer cooperation, and for sustained commitment from all of us,” President Marcos Jr. added.
In an interview, Kamal Kishore, Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction stated that the Philippines as the host of APMCDRR in response to its work on disaster risk reduction must be seen as a “lighthouse” to inspire countries in the Asia-Pacific Region and across the world to join APMCDRR causes.
Kishore also urged the media to join the movement in informing the vulnerable sector about the steps necessary when disasters occur to avoid losses.
“I would urge you, I would also make a plea to talk about what needs to be done to reduce risk, to reduce the occurrence of disasters in the first place and to make the unseen seen. What are the factors that are making us more and more vulnerable to losses from disaster and what can we do, how can we reduce those risks,” Kamal Kishore stated.
Government Orders
Throughout the conference, the Manila Police District reiterated that all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) are suspended. All members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) who are performing their official duties are exempted from the suspension.
Through Memorandum Circular Number 66, the Office of the President (OP) suspended all classes and government offices in Manila City and Pasay City from Monday, October 14, and Tuesday, October 16 with exemptions on offices responsible for basic and health services. Meanwhile, private companies are given the discretion to abide by the memorandum.
Letran has previously suspended its classes and office operations on the ordered dates in response to the memorandum. Onsite classes shall resume on Wednesday, October 16.
The APMCDRR is set to adjourn on Friday, October 18.