Jalad calls for greater community role in disaster risk reduction

MORE DRR INVOLVEMENT NEEDED. Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) leaves a trail of destruction on a major road in Tacloban City, Leyte when it hit the central part of the country on Nov. 8, 2013. The NDRRMC on Tuesday (Oct. 13, 2020) has called for greater community participation in disaster risk reduction exercises in observance of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. (PNA File photo)

MANILA – As the world observes the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on Tuesday, a ranking government official called for greater community participation in disaster risk reduction exercises to mitigate the effects of natural and man-made calamities.

“The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) highly recognize this observance which calls for good disaster risk governance,” NDRRMC executive director and OCD administrator Ricardo Jalad said in a statement.

IDDRR is observed every October 13 starting in 1989 following a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.

“Our commitment to advance policies and programs to reduce the numbers of disaster-affected people continues likewise our call for community engagement in these efforts,” Jalad said.

The observance of IDDRR focuses on how people and communities around the world are taking measures to reduce their exposure to disasters.

IDDRR 2020’s theme is focused on disaster risk governance.

“This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is all about governance. You can measure good disaster risk governance in lives saved, reduced numbers of disaster-affected people, and reduced economic losses. Covid-19 and the climate emergency are telling us we need a clear vision, plans, and competent, empowered institutions acting on scientific evidence for public good,” UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori said in a statement released by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

She also emphasized the significance of implementing good strategies in different areas for disaster risk reduction.