Photo posted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as part of a collection of situational reports in Metro Manila for Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Fabian in 2021.
In the past, Quezon City's approach to hazards was largely reactive, often leading to delayed and insufficient responses. However, the hard-learned lessons from typhoons like Ondoy, Wally, and Odette have served as a catalyst for change, prompting the city to embrace a data-driven and evidence-based philosophy in its decision-making processes.
Through the implementation of the Intelligent, Resilient, and Integrated Systems for the Urban Population (iRISE UP) program, Quezon City has developed a robust and proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and climate action. Utilizing digital and traditional tools, the city can now anticipate the impacts of rainfall, heat, and air quality, enabling informed and timely decision-making.
“We measure the effectiveness of the program through impact-based outcomes. So we look at how communities fare better now as opposed to previous years when iRISE UP was not there,” Perez said.
“We [also] measure based on casualty counts like we have not had any casualties, zero casualties since 2019 when we first established iRISE UP kasi, since we now know what barangays are heavily affected and will be heavily affected by heavy rainfall or thunderstorms or typhoons, we now know how to warn them and when to warn them,” she added, saying, “They have to do pre-emptive evacuation, we now know how to do prioritized interventions.”
Localized risk maps, enhanced hazard advisories, and data-driven guidelines for class suspensions have also empowered barangays, schools, and communities to make informed decisions that prioritize safety and well-being.
“We also measure based on how empowered communities are. Like how many barangays are now fully empowered to implement localized suspensions, how many barangays now have trained individuals. How many individuals we have trained for the whole of the city. How many tools, traditional and digital tools, devices we have already established,” she further said.
Moreover, by leveraging data and technology, Quezon City can now target the most vulnerable and disadvantaged segments of its population, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Recognizing that people are affected by disasters differently, Quezon City has forged partnerships with organizations like the UP Resilience Institute to develop comprehensive plans and strategies that address the unique needs of its diverse population. The Drainage Master Plan, for instance, aims to develop structural and non-structural projects to solve flooding problems, while the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan for 2021-2027 aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, charting a global course for reducing disaster risks and losses.
Importantly, Quezon City has embraced the pivotal role of women in disaster risk reduction and climate action. With 40 percent of the city's local DRRM Council comprising women leaders, a gender perspective is integrated into project development and policy-making, ensuring that the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women are addressed.
This commitment to gender inclusivity extends beyond decision-making roles. Quezon City's Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department is headed by a woman, further reinforcing the city's dedication to empowering women in these crucial domains.
Moreover, the city's comprehensive disaster preparedness initiatives encompass a wide array of projects and programs tailored to the needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. From water detention basins and lactating stations at evacuation sites to hygiene kits and educational materials, Quezon City is actively working to create an environment that supports and empowers its residents during times of crisis.
Recognizing that resilience cannot be achieved in isolation, Quezon City has also fostered collaborations with businesses, professional organizations, and academic institutions. The Future of Work Conference, for instance, brought city-based businesses to the forefront of the city's vision of a safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable metropolis, while partnerships with organizations like the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers ensure compliance with building codes and structural assessments.
Education and capacity-building are also at the forefront of Quezon City's efforts, with campaigns and training programs targeting not only city personnel but also the broader public and private sectors. In a testament to the city's commitment to gender parity, an average of 51 percent of the beneficiaries of these training programs are women, further empowering them to play active roles in disaster preparedness and response.
As Quezon City moves away from a reactionary stance towards an anticipatory and proactive approach, it recognizes that resilience is not a destination but a continuous journey. By grounding its plans in collaborative efforts, efficient resource management, and a steadfast commitment to empowering the vulnerable, including women, Quezon City is forging a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The words of Perez, "Kasama n'yo ako." (I am with you) signify the Quezon City government’s unwavering dedication to including women's perspectives and voices in disaster risk reduction and climate action. It is not only a testament to its commitment to gender equality but also a recognition that true resilience can only be achieved when everyone has a seat at the table, and no one is left behind. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
