Filipinos Urged to Challenge Status Quo in Disaster Risk Reduction
Filipinos are called to rethink and challenge the current approach in disaster risk reduction as climate change and natural disasters continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. This urgent message was conveyed during a keynote address at a recent event focused on advancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
During the event, a new scholarship program named Sustainable Leadership Learning for Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR) was officially launched. Coordinated by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), this initiative aims to develop capable leaders who can translate climate policies into real solutions.
Building Competent Leaders for Climate and Disaster Resilience
The SLL-CDRR program focuses on training scholars in disaster risk and crisis management as well as data science. These fields are crucial for turning information into actionable plans that can protect communities. A total of 26 scholars will be supported in 2026 under this program.
One of the program’s key goals is to empower planners, data scientists, and indigenous leaders to work together. This collaboration aims to bring resilience into barangays and communities by blending tradition with innovation. “Laws alone are not enough. We need you: planners, data scientists, advocates. We need you, the scholars who will bring resilience to the barangays, the data scientists who will turn analytics into action, the indigenous leaders who will bridge tradition and innovation,” a senior government official emphasized.
Climate Change: A Call for Action
The speech highlighted the severe impacts of typhoons, droughts, and rising temperatures as clear signs that the planet is in distress. “The scorching heat is a sign that our planet is in distress,” the official noted, underscoring the urgency for stronger climate action.
The pandemic has also taught valuable lessons about crisis management. Instead of returning to the old normal, which contributed to many vulnerabilities, the focus now is on building a resilient nation of climate champions who thrive amid challenges.
Legislative Achievements and Future Vision
Over the years, key climate legislation has been put forward to strengthen environmental protection and disaster management. These include laws addressing solid waste management, clean air, climate change adaptation, green jobs, and protected areas. Additionally, international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol have been ratified to reinforce the country’s commitment to global climate efforts.
The newly launched program is seen as a critical step toward nurturing future leaders who will drive meaningful change in climate and disaster resilience across the Philippines.
For more news and updates on disaster risk reduction, visit Filipinokami.com.