Philippines Senator Legarda also stressed that local governments must ensure that their development plans can withstand the impact of worsening disasters and climate change.
She said the danger from climate change was “clear and present,” and represented a “national security concern.”
20 December 2011: The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) has announced that UN/ISDR Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation in Asia Pacific and Philippines Senator Loren Legarda has called on Philippines President Benigno Aquino to launch a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP).
The call was made after 20 December was declared a day of “National State of Calamity,” in response to the official death toll from Typhoon Sendong, which has reached almost 1,000.
According to Legarda, under the Philippines’ “Republic Act 10121 or the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, a comprehensive NDRRMP should be developed and implemented.” Legarda also stressed that local governments must ensure that their development plans can withstand the impact of worsening disasters and climate change. She said the danger from climate change was “clear and present,” and represented a “national security concern.” [UN/ISDR Press Release]