Government urged to create ‘disaster-proof’ towns, cities

TOKYO—The Philippines will do well to create “disaster-proof” towns and cities to ensure stable economic development and maximum protection for its citizens, a ranking Japanese official recently said.

By investing in resilient infrastructure as well as training people on risk preparedness and crisis response, the Philippines may achieve its Millennium Development Goals as well, said Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu, director-general for global issues at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Japan is very much open to sharing our experiences and lessons learned—including those from 3/11 (the triple disasters that rocked the nation in March 2011)—to provide advice and, if needed, training. Of course, physical assistance is also available to create disaster-proof cities, dams, earthquake-proof roads, bridges and such,” Hiramatsu told visiting journalists from across the Asia-Pacific.

Despite the huge initial investments needed, disaster-resilient infrastructure “pay for themselves” later on in terms of requiring less, if any, repair work every time a flash flood, earthquake, or any other form of disaster strikes, Hiramatsu said. Such infrastructure will also save lives and make living/connectivity more secure, thereby making people more productive, he said.

Data from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that, in 2011 alone, typhoons and natural disasters cost the Philippines P59.23 billion.

Communities still recovering from the devastating storms in 2009 are clamoring for disaster preparedness systems in their respective areas, the World Bank said, citing a study made by the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC) based at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Affected communities are calling on their leaders and local government officials to implement disaster preparedness plans, including having a localized relief and recovery system, apart from basic equipment for relief operations.