The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 emphasized the media’s role in informing the public regarding the Philippines’ disaster management initiatives.
On October 14, 2024, distinguished speakers reiterated this message during the event’s media reception.
READ: Philippines improves disaster management with AI
This segment also marks the first day of the Asia Pacific ministerial conference.
Disaster risk awareness and the media
The media reception started with a speech by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
She reminded the audience that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most culturally rich in the world. However, the United Nations also recognizes it as one of the most disaster-prone.
“The main role of the media has always been to shape public awareness and understanding for informed decision-making,” Loyzaga said.
The media helps everyone understand the importance of disaster risk management in saving lives and allowing future prosperity.
Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro also supported this message and highlighted the media’s role in reporting the truth as misinformation spreads wider than ever.
‘PH ahead of the curve in disaster risk reduction‘
Furthermore, the Head of the UN Disaster Risk Reduction Kamal Kishore pointed out the Philippines’ unique approach to disaster management.
He stated the country has a people-centric focus, not just “eye-in-the-sky policy wonks talking about what needs to happen.”
Instead, the Philippine government concentrates on “what needs to happen on the ground.”
Also, the country outshines others by bringing different parts of the government together to discuss disaster risk reduction.
More importantly, APMCDRR Philippines will focus on three ways to further enhance the country’s disaster mitigation efforts:
- Financing for disaster risk reduction
- Ensuring disaster risk reduction initiatives “leave no one behind”
- Localizing disaster risk reduction, which Kishore says the Philippines excels at
The APMCDRR 2024 will be held from October 14 to 17. It will host numerous discussions on disaster risk reduction while applying gender equality, indigenous practices, and artificial intelligence.
Moreover, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will attend the event on the 15th to elaborate on the Philippines’ disaster risk reduction efforts.