ABSTRACT
Local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines have been developing plans that are used to prepare communities to effectively handle disaster risks. The disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans are produced using available official records. However, with insufficient data, the local government units (LGUs) can only estimate risks and therefore produced plans using such data. DRRM is integral to the Philippines’ plan of action for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation from 2011–2028. This chapter examines the DRRM policy and programs aimed at building resilience in communities. Specifically, it aims to: 1) look into governmental expressions of commitment to disaster preparedness and mitigation, and 2) study the implementation strategy, and raise talking points and suggestions for resilience programs on DRRM in local communities.
Disaster risk governance necessitates strategies that make communities and scientists engage in collectively identifying hazards, quantifying risks and developing mechanisms that effectively manage and reduce risks. It needs to rebuild the DRRM plan, first by conducting systematic inventories of hazards and risk assessments and, second, by effectively employing community perspectives and practices. Mitigating and preventing disaster risks require locally sourced strategic governance that will gain a foothold gradually in the process.
