The focus must now expand toward climate-adaptive upgrading: integrating climate risks into urban planning, infrastructure, and governance.
For decades, resilience has been a cornerstone of the Filipino response to natural disasters. The ability to survive, rebuild, and adapt after typhoons, earthquakes, and floods has become a national identity, deeply rooted in the culture.
The Philippines faces an average of 20 tropical storms annually, with major events like Super Typhoon Yolanda (2013) causing over 6,000 deaths and leaving millions homeless. According to the Department of Finance (DOF), climate-related disasters have cost the country an estimated ₱506.1 billion (approximately US$10 billion) in the last decade —a financial burden that continues to escalate.
The Philippine government has recognized this challenge and put in place measures to help its people withstand such disasters. The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (DRRM Act) of 2010 was enacted to enhance the country’s resilience, focusing on disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. However, as the frequency and intensity of climate-related events continue to increase, the conversation is evolving.
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, held in Manila, marked a pivotal moment in this shift. Discussions at the conference made it clear: while resilience remains essential, it is no longer enough.
The focus must now expand toward climate-adaptive upgrading: integrating climate risks into urban planning, infrastructure, and governance.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this involves transforming how cities are built and how communities are organized. For example, retrofitting buildings and infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions like floods and high winds is critical.
Integrating nature-based solutions such as floodplain restoration and coastal protection can significantly reduce the impacts of natural disasters. The Philippines has already begun exploring such measures, including restoring mangrove forests, which act as natural barriers to storm surges. Additionally, planting trees, reinforcing riverbanks, and creating rainwater catchment systems will strengthen the nation’s resilience.
By shifting focus from just surviving disasters to anticipating and preventing them, the Philippines can build a more sustainable future.
The time is now for the Philippines to embrace a proactive approach; one that not only strengthens resilience but also adapts to the challenges posed by an increasingly unpredictable climate.
