RESILIENCE is said to be one of the remarkable strengths of Filipinos, but what is our understanding of “resilience”? Is it limited to our ability to cope with devastating tragedies? Is it relevant only to the way we rebuild our communities after each disaster?
Disasters as an enemy are becoming more formidable. These should make us realize that it is no longer “business as usual.” The shift from reactive to proactive stance in dealing with natural hazards is a must. It is more practical and reasonable to approach today’s risks with concrete measures that diminish our vulnerabilities.
The task is straightforward: We have to make our communities safer, more resilient, and even more ready. The task of “building better” starts not after each disaster, but long before calamities strike.
Committing to make cities and municipalities disaster-resilient means increasing our investments in disaster risk reduction; conducting and sharing risk assessments; establishing multi-hazard early warning system and services, which should communicate to the general public risk and impact forecast of natural hazards; protecting our ecosystems; mangrove reforestation; building roadside ditches and seawalls; putting up rainwater harvesters, seed banks, and rooftop gardens; using indigenous knowledge on disaster resilience; and undertaking regular drills for disaster preparedness.
We must link disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to national and local development planning. We must build homes, schools, and hospitals that are safe and secure amidst natural hazards. We must design and construct roads, bridges and other infrastructure that helps spur economic growth with disaster risk reduction in mind.
Disaster risk reduction essentially means genuine development — development that is sustainable and economic growth that is resilient.
The world recognizes the resilience of the Filipinos but let us not limit it to bearing a positive outlook amid tragedies. Resilience should mean that our homes and communities are prepared even before disaster strikes.
