13 Metro mayors join UN anti-disaster campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Thirteen mayors from Metro Manila and Rizal have joined the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) campaign to make their respective cities and municipalities more resilient to disasters.

Accompanied by the Senate committee on climate change chairwoman Loren Legarda, the 13 mayors signed the commitment to the UN’s 10 Essential Actions to Reduce Disaster Risks.

Present during the commitment signing ceremony at the East Rembo Elementary School in Makati City on Thursday were Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto, San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano. Also present were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman, Antipolo Mayor Danilo Leyble, Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan, Rodriguez Mayor Cecilio Hernandez and San Mateo Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz.

“These local chief executives are one against risk. They have set aside their political affiliations and have chosen to be united in making the metropolis and their respective cities or municipalities disaster-resilient,” Legarda said.

The 10 Essentials of the UNISDR include investing more in disaster risk reduction, preparing and sharing risk assessments, ensuring that early warning systems are in place, and protecting ecosystems to reduce the impact of floods, cyclones, and storm surges, among other natural hazards.

As the UNISDR’s Asia-Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, Legarda noted that while the event is about making cities disaster-resilient, a special concern is ensuring that schools and hospitals, where the most vulnerable are situated, are safe from hazards.