Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) experts from various universities convened to recalibrate the role of the academe in driving discussions and advocating policies for resilience-building within communities. Held on March 22, 2024 at Ardenhills Suites in Quezon City, the consultation aimed to highlight the academe’s proactive engagement beyond research generation, leading concerted efforts toward effective disaster resilience initiatives and strategies.
During his presentation on the current state of the academe’s engagement in DRR, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, Executive Director of the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), highlighted the lack of clear and deliberate representation of the academe in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) framework. He emphasized its strategic and pivotal role in influencing discussions within Congress and the government in general.
In this context, Dr. Lagmay enjoined the academe, through the Philippine Academic Society for Climate and Disaster Resilience (PASCDR), to intensify efforts aimed at amplifying the “academe’s voice.” PASCDR is a network of academics from across the Philippines. Members of its boards of trustees were among the experts who participated in the said consultation.
A key focus of the academic discussion revolves around the underutilization and misallocation of funds earmarked for DRR-CCA initiatives. This underscores the urgent need for support to help local government units (LGUs) access and efficiently utilize these resources. Among these funds is the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund as mandated by the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 to allocate a portion of regular revenue for disaster management-related programs and activities.
Academics highlighted the significant impact that the vast available funds could have on implementing DRR plans for national development and the necessity for these plans to be not only responsive to but also contextualized within the specific needs of communities. They emphasized that DRR is crucial for both social and economic development, stressing the importance of localizing sustainable development goals and aligning efforts with national development plans.
Aside from the underutilization and misallocation of funds for DRR initiatives, academics also pinpointed several critical challenges during their assessment. These include irregular and highly variable levels of understanding and appreciation of DRR-CCA across different sectors and among various stakeholders, as well as varying levels of commitment to DRR-CCA at the local level, among other concerns. However, there are also significant opportunities that can be leveraged to advance DRR efforts. These opportunities include the prioritization of DRR across various governmental agencies and sectors, as well as a strong interest and commitment to DRR initiatives of the LGUs.
As an outcome of the discussions held during the consultation, a series of activities were identified and prioritized for implementation in the next five years to enhance partnerships and bolster community resilience efforts and initiatives.
Posted by UP Resilience Institute Education Division on April 5, 2024