October 29, 2025 – The Resilience Agenda: National Policy Dialogue on Disaster and Climate Resilience convened at the Hilton Manila Newport, gathering influential leaders and stakeholders across various sectors to foster collaborative strategies that promote a climate and disaster-resilient Philippines.
Organized by the Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level – Technical Assistance Project (DRREALL-TA), in partnership with the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the event received support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union (EU). Attendees focused on enhancing policy coherence and fostering coordination to advance sustainable resilience initiatives throughout the country.
A key moment of the event was Thematic Session 3, dubbed “Innovative Financing for Risk, Loss and Damage,” moderated by Mr. Dennis de la Torre, Chief Science Research Specialist of the UP Resilience Institute – Research and Creative Work Division (UP RI-RCW). The session featured esteemed panelist Dr. Kristoffer B. Berse, former Director of UP RI-RCW and currently the Dean of the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG).
Discussions during the forum highlighted the vital importance of multi-sectoral partnerships, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based policymaking in constructing resilient systems and communities. The dialogue underscored a collective commitment to ensuring a secure future for the Philippines through synergized and inclusive resilience policies, especially through policy reforms on climate and disaster risk financing.
As the country faces increasing climate challenges, the outcomes of this dialogue will play a significant role in shaping resilient strategies that prioritize sustainability and community strength.