In its relentless pursuit of building disaster-resilient communities, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Government of Australia (GOA), and UN-Habitat, continues to strengthen local capacities against calamities and climate-related challenges.
Recently, provincial officials, government agencies, and other stakeholders participated in a three-day workshop under the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) program. The event, held from December 3 to 5, 2024, at Honey’s Hotel in Mati City, equipped participants with knowledge and strategies to enhance the province’s preparedness and resilience to potential disasters and climate-related threats.
The workshop featured a series of activities that allowed participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and craft actionable plans and strategies to address disasters affecting key sectors such as water access, electricity, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.
Representing Governor Niño Uy, Board Member Stephen Paul “Popong” Uy emphasized the importance of a focused, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness, particularly for marginalized groups like indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and children.
“Building resilience in our province requires inclusive policies and programs that prioritize our most vulnerable sectors. By ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are integrated into disaster risk management, we can create stronger and more equitable communities,” said Board Member Uy.
UNDP highlighted that programs like SHIELD are vital, citing past calamities that impacted the province, including Typhoon Pablo in December 2012, which claimed lives and disrupted livelihoods, and the devastating floods and landslides caused by the shear line and low-pressure area in January this year, which led to a state of calamity declaration.
Through SHIELD, local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders are equipped with enhanced capacities, programs, and partnerships to ensure the safety, welfare, and development of Davao Oriental’s residents.
Governor Uy reaffirmed his commitment to disaster preparedness, citing it as a top priority of his administration. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the province’s disaster response system, implementing sustainable environmental policies, advancing reforestation programs, and building climate-resilient infrastructure to balance the needs of various sectors while ensuring long-term resilience.
This proactive collaboration underscores Davao Oriental’s commitment to safeguarding its people and fostering sustainable development amidst the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
