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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Legarda urges stronger disaster preparedness to protect Filipino families, livelihoods

Legarda urges stronger disaster preparedness to protect Filipino families, livelihoods

Published Jul 30, 2026 02:47 pm
Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday, July 30 called for stronger disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures, stressing that protecting Filipino families, farmers, and fisherfolk should remain at the center of the country's disaster risk reduction efforts.
Senator Loren Legarda (Senate Facebook)
Senator Loren Legarda (Senate Facebook)
As the country observes National Disaster Resilience Month with the theme, "Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas," Legarda said disaster preparedness should go beyond government plans and become part of everyday life in communities.
"Preparedness must be part of our daily culture. It is what keeps lives safe, livelihoods steady, and our environment cared for. If from the very beginning our systems and stewardship of nature were in order, families would not be left to suffer again and again," she said.
Legarda highlighted landmark laws she authored and sponsored that established the country's climate and disaster governance framework, including the Climate Change Act of 2009, the People's Survival Fund Act, and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
She also pointed to the Philippines' ranking as the world's most disaster-prone country in the 2025 World Risk Index, saying the country's exposure to floods, typhoons, and other climate-related hazards underscores the need to strengthen resilience measures that directly protect communities and livelihoods.
According to Legarda, the People's Survival Fund was created to provide financing for local governments and communities implementing adaptation projects such as early warning systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and coastal resource management.
The senator also advocated for greater investment in nature-based solutions, saying mangroves, reforested watersheds, wetlands, coral reefs, and urban green spaces can help reduce the impact of disasters while protecting ecosystems and sustaining livelihoods.
“Matagal na nating ipinapaalala ang kahalagahan ng paghahanda, at paulit-ulit na nating nararamdaman ang bigat ng mga sakuna. Ano pa ba ang hihintayin natin? Ang tunay na depensa ay ang kalikasan na ating inaalagaan, at ang lakas ng komunidad na kumikilos nang sama-sama (We have long been reminding everyone of the importance of preparedness, yet we continue to experience the devastating impacts of disasters time and again. What more are we waiting for? Our true defense lies in the environment that we protect and in the strength of communities working together),” she concluded.

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Loren Legarda National Disaster Resilience Month Climate Change
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