President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday emphasized the importance of cooperation and innovation in addressing natural disasters at the opening of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila.
Addressing this year’s APMCDRR delegates, Mr. Marcos highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
“For many years, the Philippines has stood on the front line of the climate crisis,” the President said.
“Each of these challenges has tested the resilience of every Filipino and the strength of our spirit as a nation,” he added.
Mr. Marcos underscored the urgency of the conference, especially in the context of implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which aims to reduce disaster risks and protect lives and livelihoods.
“Our vision is clear—to reduce disaster risks and losses, and in doing so, protect lives, livelihoods, and the social and economic assets that underpin our societies,” he said.
He noted that disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation have become integral to the country’s policies, from investment strategies to governance.
The President pointed out that every government discussion now includes aspects of climate adaptation and mitigation.
He called for deeper innovation and collaboration, particularly in leveraging science and technology to address the impacts of climate change.
President Marcos also stressed the importance of making disaster risk reduction financing accessible to all nations in the region.
The Philippines hosts this year’s APMCDRR from October 14 to 17, which brought together experts, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region, aims to enhance regional efforts to reduce disaster risk and improve resilience against climate-induced hazards.
