BUILDING A RESILIENT MINDANAO

A Peer-to-Peer Learning Exchange on Reducing Vulnerabilities and Adapting to Climate Change

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SENATOR LOREN LEGARDAKeynote Speech

The Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City, AlbayMay 05, 2012

Tropical Storm Sendong

We recall the alarming human losses and economic damages inflicted by the storm in Mindanao. The fusion of socio-economic realities and extreme climatic events demand scaled up efforts in reducing disaster and climate risks.

The Philippine legislature has taken a proactive stance in building the nation's resilience to disasters by passing:

• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010• Climate Change Act of 2009

Important starting point:Political CommitmentMeasure for success:More disaster-resilient development investments

Fundamentally, better and greater quality of life for our long-suffering people.

Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT-DDO)

In December 2011, the government has downloaded US$500 million from the World Bank, from its Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT-DDO).

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund

Seventy percent (70%) of the P7.5-billion allocation for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund this year should also be tapped for our post-Sendong reconstruction efforts.

Shelter for Sendong Victims

Government initially committed to provide all victims with permanent housing by June or July 2012, a deadline not likely to be met because of the many constraints.

Core Shelter Units

• The DSWD spent 203.07 million pesos for the construction of Core Shelter Units numbering 2,410 in Cagayan de Oro City• National Housing Authority NHA allotted 129.8 million pesos for land acquisition. • 5,000 housing units were completed by non-government organizations and private companies.

Disaster Risk Reduction Training

Task for the national and local leaders:

We have to make our communities safer, more resilient, and more prepared to respond whenever a disaster strikes

Prevent Natural Hazards from turning into disasters:

• Political Will• Clear understanding of risks• Genuine regard for environmental protection and disaster prevention• Preparedness for effective response• Good governance• Concern and vigilance

Now is the time to secure the future that we want for our people.

THANK YOU