Stronger legal frameworks sought on disaster response
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on the Asia-Pacific region to advocate for stronger international legal frameworks to guide countries on disaster prevention and response. In his speech during the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City, Marcos said the Philippines was ready to lead the development of an international legal instrument for the protection of persons in the event of disasters. "This endeavor aims to fill critical gaps in international disaster response laws, uphold the rights and dignity of affected persons, establish clearer obligations, and enhance humanitarian coordination," he said. Noting that the countries in the Asia-Pacific region share a common struggle in navigating the balance between continued economic growth and dealing with the ever-present threat of disasters, Marcos encouraged countries to harmonize their approaches and pursue meaningful actions under mandates such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement. "We must embrace inclusion," the President said, stressing that "disasters disproportionately impact people, and they exacerbate existing inequalities." "Building stronger societies requires addressing the needs of the most vulnerable — the very young, the very old, the sick, the Indigenous peoples, marginalized communities," Marcos said. "We must ensure that every voice is heard and every person is empowered to contribute to disaster risk reduction and receives the assistance that they need if the time comes," he added. "Innovation must be at the heart of all our strategies," Marcos said, adding that advancements in technology, data analytics, and early warning systems can revolutionize disaster preparedness and response. "Coordination and collaboration are the cornerstones of our whole-of-nation approach," the President said, explaining that by engaging all stakeholders, needs are collectively identified while gaps are addressed and risks are anticipated. "Fostering open dialogue is essential in bringing our sectors together, promoting both convergence and coherence in our efforts," Marcos said. "As such, we carry out regular assessments, regular critiques, ensuring that our policies on disaster risk reduction remain consistent and effective," he added. The President cited the importance of engaging the private sector, particularly in advancing investments and practices in environmental, social and governance areas. "Through collaborative research, information sharing, and innovative financing, we continue to strengthen and deepen our partnerships with these key stakeholders," he said. Marcos also said the APMCDRR presents a grand opportunity to send a powerful message to the world: the Asia-Pacific is not only prepared to overcome the trials of tomorrow — it is also ready to lead in disaster risk reduction and climate action. Hosted by the Philippines in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the APMCDRR serves as the main platform in Asia and the Pacific in monitoring, reviewing and enhancing cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 — the global blueprint for preventing and reducing new and existing disaster risks in the world's most disaster-prone regions. The conference, which takes place until October 18, brings together governments, intergovernmental, international, national and civil society organizations, the private sector, science, academia, and stakeholder groups to accelerate progress in reducing disaster risk. In the same speech, Marcos touted the Philippines as a "climate champion" as he expressed readiness to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, the global finance mechanism to assist vulnerable states dealing with the effects of climate change. "This reinforces our commitment to improving the board's operations and to contribute to the success of its institutional architecture," he said. "We are hopeful for a fund that will benefit climate-vulnerable countries, many of whom are in our region," he added. The President also noted the Philippines' vast experience in dealing with disasters due to its location and vulnerability to climate change — something that other Asia-Pacific countries also deal with. "We must strive to create a future where the need for recovery becomes less frequent as we lay the foundations for a safer, more adaptive, inclusive and disaster-resilient region," Marcos said. "As we chart our course to a more inclusive and resilient Asia-Pacific, let us draw inspiration from the stories of resilience that are embedded in our region," he added.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on the Asia-Pacific region to advocate for stronger international legal frameworks to guide countries on disaster prevention and response.
In his speech during the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City, Marcos said the Philippines was ready to lead the development of an international legal instrument for the protection of persons in the event of disasters.
"This endeavor aims to fill critical gaps in international disaster response laws, uphold the rights and dignity of affected persons, establish clearer obligations, and enhance humanitarian coordination," he said.
Noting that the countries in the Asia-Pacific region share a common struggle in navigating the balance between continued economic growth and dealing with the ever-present threat of disasters, Marcos encouraged countries to harmonize their approaches and pursue meaningful actions under mandates such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement.
"We must embrace inclusion," the President said, stressing that "disasters disproportionately impact people, and they exacerbate existing inequalities."
"Building stronger societies requires addressing the needs of the most vulnerable — the very young, the very old, the sick, the Indigenous peoples, marginalized communities," Marcos said.
"We must ensure that every voice is heard and every person is empowered to contribute to disaster risk reduction and receives the assistance that they need if the time comes," he added.
"Innovation must be at the heart of all our strategies," Marcos said, adding that advancements in technology, data analytics, and early warning systems can revolutionize disaster preparedness and response.
"Coordination and collaboration are the cornerstones of our whole-of-nation approach," the President said, explaining that by engaging all stakeholders, needs are collectively identified while gaps are addressed and risks are anticipated.
"Fostering open dialogue is essential in bringing our sectors together, promoting both convergence and coherence in our efforts," Marcos said.
"As such, we carry out regular assessments, regular critiques, ensuring that our policies on disaster risk reduction remain consistent and effective," he added.
The President cited the importance of engaging the private sector, particularly in advancing investments and practices in environmental, social and governance areas.
"Through collaborative research, information sharing, and innovative financing, we continue to strengthen and deepen our partnerships with these key stakeholders," he said.
Marcos also said the APMCDRR presents a grand opportunity to send a powerful message to the world: the Asia-Pacific is not only prepared to overcome the trials of tomorrow — it is also ready to lead in disaster risk reduction and climate action.
Hosted by the Philippines in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the APMCDRR serves as the main platform in Asia and the Pacific in monitoring, reviewing and enhancing cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 — the global blueprint for preventing and reducing new and existing disaster risks in the world's most disaster-prone regions.
The conference, which takes place until October 18, brings together governments, intergovernmental, international, national and civil society organizations, the private sector, science, academia, and stakeholder groups to accelerate progress in reducing disaster risk.
In the same speech, Marcos touted the Philippines as a "climate champion" as he expressed readiness to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, the global finance mechanism to assist vulnerable states dealing with the effects of climate change.
"This reinforces our commitment to improving the board's operations and to contribute to the success of its institutional architecture," he said.
"We are hopeful for a fund that will benefit climate-vulnerable countries, many of whom are in our region," he added.
The President also noted the Philippines' vast experience in dealing with disasters due to its location and vulnerability to climate change — something that other Asia-Pacific countries also deal with.
"We must strive to create a future where the need for recovery becomes less frequent as we lay the foundations for a safer, more adaptive, inclusive and disaster-resilient region," Marcos said.
"As we chart our course to a more inclusive and resilient Asia-Pacific, let us draw inspiration from the stories of resilience that are embedded in our region," he added.
