Taal eruption, typhoons cost ₧113B–neda
THE Taal Volcano eruption and succeeding typhoons last year alone cost the Philippines P113.4 billion in damage and losses, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
In a statement at the Ready to Rebuild Program Launch, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the amount does not include billions in losses due to the lockdowns that were imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Chua said between 2010 and 2019, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that disasters cost the Philippine economy some P463 billion.
“Aggravating the impact of these natural disasters is the Covid-19 pandemic. The community lockdowns that had to be imposed to slow down the spread of the virus and strengthen the healthcare system disrupted the majority of our economic activities. All of these led to a -9.5 percent GDP growth rate in 2020, the lowest since 1947,” Chua said.
“These disasters and emergencies led to billions worth of government resources being used for cash assistance, rehabilitation and construction efforts which could have been spent for other programs to improve the lives of our fellow citizens and promote a more sustainable development,” he added.
As the country’s socioeconomic planning agency, Chua said Neda advocates for greater investment in disaster risk reduction programs.
Chua said the Philippines needs to strengthen predisaster planning, particularly disaster mitigation and preparedness efforts.
The acting Neda chief said proper planning is necessary to identify appropriate interventions and a basis for budget allocations.
Chua said the Neda Rehabilitation
and Planning Guide, adopted by the NDRRMC in 2019, will help in this regard. The guide builds on the lessons from the 2017 Marawi Siege and 2013 Supertyphoon Yolanda, as well as “build back better” principles.
“Proper planning is key to guide the recovery efforts and build more resilient communities through improved structures, services and governance,” Chua said. “We do not want to repeat our mistakes. We have to put emphasis on preparedness activities and best practices.”
Apart from this, World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop said the Ready to Rebuild Program that NDRRMC launched will help build a culture of preparedness in the country.
Diop said the program will build the capacity of decision-makers and technical staff at the national and local levels to craft recovery and rehabilitation plans.
He said this kind of program is still needed even with Filipinos showing “admirable resilience” during natural and manmade disasters in the past.
“When disasters happen, it is best not to be caught off-guard and with no plans or financial resources to recover. Local leaders should equip themselves with adequate knowledge and tools to mobilize quickly and provide just-in-time support to their people,” Diop said.