Makati to open disaster risk reduction academy

MANILA, Philippines — As part of its commitment to share its best practices in mitigating the effects of calamities, the Makati City government will open a disaster risk reduction (DRR) academy.

Liza Velle Ramos, the local government’s research and planning division head, gave the assurance when the city was recognized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as the first ever resilience hub in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

“We are committed to sharing our disaster risk reduction practices within the Philippines, the region, and beyond,” Ramos said in a statement shared on the UNDRR’s website.

“We will do this through our knowledge portals, city-to-city cooperation. We are also opening a DRR academy to support capacity-building,” she said.

Ramos did not say when the city will open the academy.

Makati and the city of Wroclaw, Poland were recognized by the UNDRR as resilience hubs for their efforts to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of significant challenges.

“The city has been a longstanding leader on disaster risk reduction and has continued to demonstrate this leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Makati’s success will be a great example for other cities,” Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori said.

Makati and Wroclaw join 13 other resilience hubs recognized for their leadership in disaster risk reduction both within their municipal boundaries as well as in support of other municipalities.