The Philippines, with its unique geographical location, faces an unparalleled challenge — it is the most disaster-prone country in Southeast Asia, leading to the highest rate of internal displacement due to natural disasters.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) bared this in a joint report, “Harnessing Development Financing for Solutions to Displacement in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific.” According to the report, natural disasters displace Filipinos the most compared to their neighbors in Southeast Asia — nearly 43 million disaster displacements between 2014 and 2023. With this development, both multilateral lenders called for immediate aid and response to calamity victims to prevent them from sliding into poverty.
This situation underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis through coordinated efforts of the government, private sector, and every Filipino citizen.
To begin with, the state must prioritize the integration of displacement considerations into national and local policies. This includes enhancing the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Management Plan to ensure they are robust and responsive to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should expedite its review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are thoroughly assessed and mitigated. It has been awhile since President Marcos ordered a review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects.
Investments in resilient infrastructure are crucial, therefore the government should take steps to make this happen. It should allocate more resources to building disaster-resilient housing, improving early warning systems, and enhancing evacuation centers. Additionally, there should be a focus on sustainable land use planning to prevent settlements in high-risk areas.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in helping the government address displacement concerns. Businesses can contribute by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure and technologies that mitigate the impacts of climate change. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should focus on supporting displaced communities through job creation, skills training, and livelihood programs.
Moreover, private companies can collaborate with the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. This includes funding research and development projects aimed at creating sustainable and resilient communities.
To address displacement, every Filipino has a role to play. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs should be promoted, encouraging local participation in disaster preparedness and response activities. Education campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Citizens can also advocate for stronger climate policies and hold both the government and private sector accountable for their actions. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, communities can better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.
The displacement problem in the country requires a comprehensive and unified approach. The government, private sector, and citizens must work together to implement effective solutions that address the root causes of displacement and build a more resilient nation.
As Sen. Loren Legarda stressed during the plenary discussion of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Oct. 16, “government, the private sector, civil society, local communities, the education sector, must collaborate to create inclusive and innovative solutions.”
With the right policies, investments, and community engagement, we can turn the tide on displacement and secure a safer future for all Filipinos.