At the recent “Climate and Disaster Resilience in an Urbanized World” forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), emphasized that the path to effective climate resilience lies in robust multi-sector collaboration. Speaking on February 28, 2025, Nepomuceno outlined the critical need for partnerships among government, businesses, and communities to build disaster-resilient infrastructures and policies.
In his address, Usec. Nepomuceno presented various government initiatives focused on enhancing disaster resilience through strategic investments in infrastructure, policy reforms, and improved emergency preparedness frameworks. He highlighted “Hazard Hunter PH,” an innovative online resource designed to provide comprehensive hazard assessments, demonstrating the government’s commitment to proactive risk management.
Nepomuceno’s call for collaboration resonated throughout the forum, where Engr. Liza B. Silerio of ARISE Philippines underscored the private sector’s pivotal role in disaster preparedness. She urged businesses to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and community-led initiatives, aligning her message with the UNDRR Strategic Framework Priority #4.
Rene “Butch” Meily, President of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), reinforced this sentiment by sharing successful examples of public-private partnerships (PPPs) that have effectively enhanced disaster mitigation efforts. He urged businesses to integrate sustainability and resilience into their operational strategies.
The discussions culminated in a collaborative dialogue on strategies to strengthen partnerships, improve policy implementation, and incentivize sustainable investments. Key topics included the integration of disaster resilience into urban planning, leveraging technology for early warning systems, and increasing community engagement in disaster preparedness.
The forum concluded with a commitment from AmCham to foster continued collaboration and innovation in disaster resilience efforts, underscoring that the collective action of all sectors is essential for overcoming the challenges posed by climate change.
