1st PPP on disaster resilience launched

The government and the private sector joined forces for the first time yesterday to address disaster management in a bid to make the country more resilient to calamities and other emergencies.

The National Resilience Council was launched during the Resilient Cities/Municipalities Leadership Program for Local Chief Executives at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, NSC president, pointed out that this is the first public-private partnership (PPP) for disaster resilience.

The group is co-chaired by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana representing the government and Hans Sy, chairman of the executive com- mitee of SM Prime Holdings Inc. from the private sector.

The group is composed of other government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Information Communication and Technology.

From the private sector, its members include Arise Philippines, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation of Manny Pangilinan and Jaime August Zobel de Ayala, Makati Business Club and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry among others.

“This is the first time that the government and big private businesses are coming together for disaster resilience. Big businesses like SM and the Zuellig Family Foundation are not only prioritizing business continuity but actually giving time, effort and their expertise in helping communities cope with emergencies to save lives and protect properties,” Ambassador Roberto Romulo said.

Loyzaga said they decided to start their initiative through partnerships with local chief executives because they are the main implementors and responders in times of emergencies.

This was shared by Sen. Loren Legarda, who was guest speaker of the event, as she proposed some measures to enable cities and municipalities prepare for disasters.

“There should be increased investment in disaster preparedness, conduct and sharing of risk assessment, establishment of multi-hazard early warning system, protection of ecosystems and mangrove reforestation among others,” Legarda said.

Liza Silerio, head of SM Cares’ program on environment and sustainability, said SM is honored to be spearheading efforts to protect communities from disasters.

“Mr. Hans Sy is passionate about disaster risk management and this can be seen in the sustainability programs being carried out in SM’s business development and his participation in Arise Philippines under the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). We will continue to make sustainability the center of our business for the future of the country,” Silerio said.