Pasay City, Philippines – October 13, 2025 — ARISE Philippines marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025 with a compelling call for enhanced investment in resilience and strategic disaster risk reduction funding. The event, hosted at the Music Hall, Entertainment Building, SM Mall of Asia, gathered government officials, private sector leaders, international partners, and youth advocates under the unifying theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama (Ret.), ARISE Global Board Member, opened the official program with a welcome message emphasizing the indispensable role of collaboration and comprehensive funding to build a disaster-resilient Philippines. He called on stakeholders to “rejuvenate our efforts to build systems and processes that protect, not just respond,” underscoring that “every peso, every effort invested before disaster strikes is a promise of safety, stability, and hope for generations to come.”
The keynote message was delivered by Assistant Secretary Cesar M. Idio, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations, representing Usec. Harold N. Cabreros, Civil Defense Administrator and Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Asec. Idio highlighted the government’s sustained institutionalization of risk-informed development and funding to empower communities in disaster preparedness and response.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) presented critical data underscoring the Philippines’ vulnerability to disasters, with a national risk score of 46.56 and exposure to approximately 20 tropical cyclones annually alongside floods, droughts, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. With climate change projections indicating a 40% increase in hazard intensity by 2030, OCD detailed legislative and operational advancements, including the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, enhanced hazard mapping tools, and rapid response training for local government units. NDRRMC’s emergency command center was highlighted for reactivation to support coordinated disaster management. The government allocated ₱25 billion for disaster risk reduction in 2025, half of which has been disbursed, with calls for transparency and accountability to avoid mismanagement.
Reflecting the event’s theme, Asec. Idio stressed:
“Fund resilience, not disasters. We aim to increase public and international funding for disaster risk reduction guided by comprehensive risk assessments. Risk-informed planning and investment are vital to reduce future disaster costs, increase community preparedness, and safeguard livelihoods and infrastructure.”
“Through innovative partnerships involving government agencies, civil society, the private sector—including ARISE Philippines—and international organizations, we seek to mobilize resources and implement sustainable solutions.”
“As the Philippines remains atop global risk indices, strategic investment in resilience is critical to secure a future where communities and national development can withstand evolving threats and uncertainties.”
Meaningful messages of support from distinguished leaders within the United Nations, government, development agencies, and the private sector, such as the Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Asia & the Pacific, Mr. Marco Toscano-Rivalta, UN Resident Coordinator of UN Philippines, Mr. Arnaud Peral; the World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Ms. Fides B. Borja; the Department of Health Assistant Secretary, Dr. Gloria J. Balboa; the DILG NCR Regional Director, Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III via recorded message; and the Senior Vice President, Anna Patricia Pastor of Buskowitz Energy Inc.
Collectively, these messages reflect the shared resolve of ARISE Philippines’ partners to advance the DRR agenda through whole-of-society investment, innovation, and inclusive action. Their voices underscored the necessity for coordinated efforts—across sectors and levels—to advance resilience and safeguard the Philippines against evolving disaster risks.
The formal opening of the exhibit during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025 was marked by a symbolic Resilience Box Ceremony, underscoring ARISE Philippines’ commitment to proactive investment in disaster resilience.
During this event, each partner representative participated in the act of dropping coins into the Resilience Box. This ritual was explained as a collective gesture reflecting the theme of IDDRR 2025, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.” Every coin symbolized a tangible investment in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and risk-informed development, representing a united pledge to prioritize proactive resilience building rather than reacting to disasters after they occur.
Serving as a powerful metaphor, the Resilience Box illustrated how individual and organizational contributions, when pooled together, create substantial resources for protecting communities. Just as coins accumulate to form a meaningful fund, the combined efforts and sustained investments from government, private sector partners, civil society, and international organizations build a stronger and safer future.
The event featured three highlight activities demonstrating innovation, youth engagement, and partnership:
Here are the enhanced paragraphs for each segment:
- The Triangular Bandage Design Competition saw an impressive turnout with 39 team entries, inspiring creativity and a strong commitment to first aid awareness in disaster preparedness. The design concept that earned top recognition came from three students of National University, whose winning entry visually synthesized essential preparedness concepts. Their T-bandage artwork showcased actionable steps such as assembling emergency kits, planning ahead, and staying up-to-date with vital information. The design also communicated broader disaster risk reduction themes—emphasizing sustainability, reforestation, and waste segregation—while practical emergency contact details anchored the visual message. This comprehensive and intuitive approach demonstrated the power of creative communication in equipping communities for safer, more resilient futures.
- The Youth Resilience Relay united dynamic youth leaders representing Pasig City, Pasay City, Quezon City, and Manila City for a hands-on learning experience led by distinguished facilitators from DOH, UNICEF, DepEd, BFP, OCD, and NRC. Throughout a series of uniquely designed stations, participants applied disaster preparedness knowledge in interactive scenarios, culminating in their accreditation as Community Disaster Volunteers. Manila City emerged as the overall champion, closely followed by Pasay, Quezon, and Pasig. The relay highlighted how strategic youth engagement, coupled with expert mentorship, nurtures a new generation of disaster-ready advocates with the skills and confidence to inspire resilient action in their localities.
- The Exhibit Booths featured 17 ongoing initiatives promoted by a diverse array of government agencies including BFP, DEPED, DOH, and OCD, international NGOs such as JICA, UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, and the World Bank, and private sector partners, including Airspeed, NRC, Manila Observatory, CDP, Buskowitz Energy Inc., UPISSI, Komunidad, and IMV Phils.. Each booth offered insight into innovative approaches for funding disaster resilience, from community-based capacity building to renewable energy investments. Select booths—including DOH, UPISSI, OCD, and BFP—were also designed as skill stations for the Youth Resilience Relay, linking theoretical disaster risk reduction knowledge with practical demonstrations. This integration fostered a uniquely efficient and interactive dynamic, enhancing both youth training and public awareness about the spectrum of DRR solutions at work across the Philippines.
Engr. Liza B. Silerio, ARISE Philippines Co-Chairperson, closed the event by reaffirming the urgency of collective action to enhance national resilience. She expressed gratitude to all contributors and emphasized ARISE Philippines’ continuing commitment to support the government and stakeholders in building a safer, disaster-resilient nation.
“As we conclude the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, let us renew our resolve to strengthen resilience across the Philippines.”
“Through fortified partnerships, shared knowledge, and sustained commitment, ARISE Philippines extends heartfelt thanks to all who made this event impactful. Together, let us continue to fund resilience, nurture leadership, and promote sustainable disaster risk reduction for our country’s future.”
The 2025 IDDRR observance reflects the Philippines’ dedication to proactive, risk-informed investments and multi-sector collaboration in disaster risk management, aimed at reducing losses and safeguarding communities through resilience-building.