Disaster Risk Management in the Philippines

With the geographic location of the Philippines, our country is at higher risk for natural disasters. These natural disasters would typically include typhoons, floods, drought, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

Between 1970 and 1997, over 75% of the major natural disasters of the world took place in the Asia and Pacific regions. Natural disasters have been known to have social and economic costs in the country, all while hampering development.

A study by the World Bank shows that the Philippine government loses over ₱15 billion each year due to the disasters that strike the country. Aside from this, natural disasters lessen government initiatives towards lowering poverty incidence and reducing the number of citizens and assets that remain vulnerable to these hazards.

Some data shows the link between vulnerability to natural disasters and poverty plus their mutually reinforcing effects. Aside from this, data shows that the poorest communities are those that are the most vulnerable. At the household level, poverty is one of the most significant factors that determine vulnerability.

A study by the CFE-DM or the Center for Excellence for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance has shown that the Philippines was on the way toward an upper middle-income status before the pandemic. In the aftermath of the economic impacts of the pandemic, this would most likely mean a lower middle-income classification for the Philippines.

The Philippine government should prioritize the more vulnerable sectors in society when planning for policies, frameworks, and responses toward disaster risk management. When natural disasters hit the country, it is this sector that is most affected and most prone to the adverse effects of these disasters.

Source: CFE-DM, World Bank