UN Philippines Engages Youth as Champions of Disaster Preparedness

Manila, Philippines – Acting before an imminent disaster saves lives and money. As the Philippines enters the drought season, the United Nations Philippines – in collaboration with the government – has launched a campaign to advocate for increased disaster preparedness. At a forum at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), around 500 students and disaster risk reduction focal persons learned about the importance of anticipatory action (AA) – a series of early, proactive steps based on forecasts before a disaster happens. The forum was organized jointly with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The forum, entitled “One Step Ahead”, raised awareness about the crucial role of youth in reducing the impacts of natural and man-made shocks through disaster preparedness frameworks. 

It also served as an opportunity to encourage young people to become champions of proactive interventions within their social circles and larger communities.

For Gabrielle Montiel, a Communication Research student, the forum's lessons were particularly relevant as she lives in Romblon, a coastal province frequently affected by tropical cyclones. 

“It’s been a big help for me as it gave me an idea of how we can apply AA to different areas and what we can do as students in advocating for preparedness in our communities,” she said.

Expert Insights and Practical Knowledge

Experts from PAGASA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme shared valuable insights on disaster preparedness and AA.

PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Aldczar Aurelio explained various hydrometeorological hazards affecting the country and how communities can prepare for their impacts through early warning systems.

OCHA Humanitarian Affairs Officer Melissa Correa discussed the basics of AA – that it involves evidence-based actions to mitigate the impacts of hazards even before they hit.

“Advocating for AA as early as now is relevant since we encounter different climate hazards all year round. Having the youth equipped with the knowledge on AA can help us reduce the effects of the current heatwave season, for example,” Correa said.

“The UN recognizes the Philippines' efforts in disaster preparedness and response and advocates for sustained investments,” she added. “Today’s forum supports the Government’s plan for increased action on disaster risk reduction.”

WFP Senior Programme Associate Zuhaina Abubacar provided examples of AA activities, such as supplying cash transfers to people who are expected to be impacted by a disaster, to help the youth understand how AA works in practice. She also briefed participants on the AA Bill, titled the 'Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster,' which has been filed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is currently under deliberations.

The AA Bill on the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster will help create protocols and establish workflows for the government to follow – including making funding available before disasters for people to buy supplies and move livestock and boats into safe locations, and other AA interventions.

Engaging Discussions and a Movement for the Future

Students asked questions on AA interventions for mental health and asked for more details on the drought season. They also shared their insights on how disaster preparedness is localized in their home areas and their role in documenting cultural practices that can be considered AA and how it can be upscaled.

The forum demonstrated the capacity of young people to drive disaster preparedness into the mainstream consciousness of the country, PUP Associate Professor Emy Ruth Gianan said. 

“We are happy to host this kind of event as it is a wonderful opportunity for us to help spread awareness on disaster preparedness and anticipatory action to our stakeholders,” she said.

PUP is developing a disaster risk reduction plan for the whole school system, and the forum reinforced the importance of incorporating AA initiatives in their preparedness framework, Prof. Gianan added.

Click here to view a video recap of the event. The campaign on Anticipatory Action continues online.