PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday called for stronger international legal frameworks to guide disaster prevention and response as said the Philippines has been pushing for the development of an instrument to protect persons in the event of disasters.
“We must advocate for stronger international legal frameworks that guide disaster prevention and response… This endeavor aims to fill critical gaps in international disaster response laws, uphold the rights and dignity of affected persons, establish clearer obligations, and enhance humanitarian coordination,” Marcos said at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held at the PICC in Pasay City.
The Philippines, being one of the countries that is most vulnerable to climate change, has been advocating stronger response and more commitment to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The country was also named this year as host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board and the President said “the Philippines as a climate champion, humbly accepts the role as steward of the Board of the Fund.”
“This reinforces our commitment to improving the Board’s operations and to contribute to the success of its institutional architecture. We are hopeful for a Fund that will benefit climate vulnerable countries, many of whom are in our region,” Marcos said, adding that some of those affected are either economies or growing economies that must find a balance between “continued economic growth and dealing with the ever-present threat of disasters.”
He said devastation due to climate change not just affects agriculture, property and economy, but also results in lost lives.
“The true measure of our losses lies in the human cost: the homes that have been destroyed and have to be rebuilt, the livelihoods that have been lost that may never come back, and the lives irrevocably changed. Resilience and sustainability must underpin the national agenda of our economy. This recognizes that all our efforts in economic planning are fragile in the face of calamities and disasters,” he added.
The President said despite this, “the “Asia-Pacific is not only prepared to overcome the trials of tomorrow – we are also ready to lead in disaster risk reduction and climate action.”
HAMORNIZED APPROACH
Marcos said all nations, however, must come together and strive to create a future where the need for recovery becomes less frequent by laying the foundations for a safer, more adaptive, inclusive, and disaster-resilient region.
He said approaches and meaningful actions must be harmonized to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
The President identified a set of guidelines that he said would not only strengthen measures that would address, if not mitigate, the impact of climate change. Among these are increased investments and better financing to address risks, including the promotion of green and blue bonds; promotion of inclusivity and empowerment for vulnerable groups such as women and girls, children, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, the elderly, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities; recognition of climate change’s impact on human displacement; need for innovation, collaboration, and private sector engagement to establish effective disaster risk reduction policies; and fostering open dialogue to bring sectors together as well as promote both convergence and coherence in all efforts.
Marcos said he expects this year’s APMCDRR to help enhance and synchronize efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
The Sendai Framework provides the international community with guidance in addressing challenges and reducing disaster risks, and has aligned its goals with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement.
DISASTER, RELIEF TASK FORCE
Malaysia has offered to send its disaster, relief and rescue task force to the Philippines to assist during calamities, just as the country acknowledged humanitarian aid sent by the United Arab Emirates during the recent typhoons and floods.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Regional Development, during his courtesy call on President Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Monday, said Malaysia is willing to send its Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART Team) to help in the disaster relief and rescue operations during calamities
The President welcomed the offer.
“Of course, that is a very generous offer of assistance. Yes, thank you. Actually, we can organize that as soon as everyone is ready for that,” Marcos said.
SMART draws its members from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysian Police, and Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department.
Apart from disaster response and management, the two officials also agreed to forge a stronger collaboration between Manila and Kuala Lumpur on several areas of cooperation such as education.
Marcos said the Philippines has a “very good workforce,” describing it as young, hardworking, and well-trained.
He said that the Philippine government has already adopted a system for skills training, providing knowledge mostly in construction to train plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
He added additional training is needed amid new technologies and recent developments.
Hamidi said Malaysia wants to learn from the Philippine education system, especially with his country’s focus on encouraging students to choose Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Malaysia started 60 years ago.
There are around 325,000 Filipinos in Malaysia.
