MANILA, PHILIPPINES – At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines remains resilient in the face of numerous natural calamities each year.
“While nature has gifted us with natural wonders, it has reminded us of its formidable power. We are visited by more than 20 tropical cyclones in a year,” he said.
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Natural disasters make the Philippines more vulnerable. Yet, the president emphasized, “Much has been said of the resilience of the Filipino spirit. ”
“The stakes are existential… However, this narrative is not unique to the Philippines,” Marcos said. “Other countries struggle with our trials.”
“Still, we remain the Asia’s engine of growth. We find ourselves in a critical juncture,” he added.
Hence, he reminded everyone in the ceremony of the Philippine’s unique approach to disaster risk management:
- We must let everyone’s voices be heard and empowered as part of disaster risk reduction.
- We must recognize that natural disasters are catalysts for human displacement.
- Innovation must be at the heart of all our strategies.
- Coordination and collaboration are the cornerstones of our approach.
- Fostering open dialog is essential to bringing our efforts together.
- We place importance on the role of our private sectors.
- We must advocate for stronger legal framework
- Let us draw inspiration from the stories that have risen up after disasters.
The president stated that the APMCDRR 2024 conference sends a powerful message:
“The Asia-Pacific is not just prepared but ready to lead in disaster risk reduction worldwide.”
More importantly, “The strength of our nation lies within the indomitable spirit of our communities.”