PLAN, PREPARE, PREVAIL

Continued from A1

Cooperation boosts disaster resilience

EARLIER, OCD administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, called for enhanced cooperation among the various government agencies, the private sector and the public to boost the country’s disaster resilience.

He made this comment as the country observed its 35th National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in July.

The OCD chief said that a “whole of nation” approach is important in building disaster resilience.

NDRM 2023 is a call for us to continue working to make the Signature Filipino Smile of Resilience clearly stand for our ability to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from disasters. The time is now for us to scale up our strategies and work in surmounting the impacts of disaster through foresight and preparedness,” Nepomuceno, who is also executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said in a new statement.

With the theme: “BIDAng Pilipino: Building a stronger Filipino well-being towards disaster resilience,” the agency is advocating for a collective effort to ensure the safety of communities against disaster by promoting well-being holistically.

“Our goal is to make the annual NDRM observance bring our nation closer to the goal of building safer, climate change-adaptive and disaster-resilient communities across these islands. Our countrymen can thus be assured that we at the OCD will continue to advocate for action and cooperation from all levels of governance, community-based organizations and the public to ensure the safety, adaptiveness and resilience of every Filipino for this generation and the next,” he added.

E xecutive Order No. 29, signed on June 28, 2017, mandates the observance of NDRM “throughout the country through the conduct of activities relative to building of disaster resilience covering the four thematic areas. Regional DRRMCs, local DRRMCs and barangay committees are also tasked to implement activities and programs relative to NDRM.

The NDRRMC through the OCD led the month-long celebration of NDRM.

The council member agencies, regional DRRMCs and OCD regional offices have also started implementing their respective programs and activities for NDRM 2023.

Participants hailed TEODORO lauded all participants, both in the government and private sector, for the successful conclusion of this year’s NDRM on July 31.

Th is is for dedicating their resources and time in making this year’s celebration a resounding success.

“ Without your unwavering support, we could not have achieved such a meaningful and impactful commemoration. This year’s theme, BIDAng Filipino: Building a Stronger Filipino Wellbeing Towards Disaster Resilience,” perfectly encapsulates the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people,” the DND chief stressed.

Bida is not merely a word; it is a manifestation of our national character, our innate ability to rise to any occasion, whether it be in normal or disaster situations. It signifies the heroic actions, resilience and compassion that define us as a nation. Throughout the month, we have witnessed countless stories of heroism and selflessness displayed by our fellow Filipinos, who have acted as ‘Bida’ in their communities, saving lives, offering a helping hand, and rebuilding in the aftermath of disasters.”

He added that this year’s theme is also a reminder that resilience starts within us, within our families and communities.

And by building a stronger foundation of well-being, Teodoro said the country can better withstand the challenges that come in its way.

“In closing, let us remember that the work does not end here. Our commitment to disaster resilience should extend beyond this month-long observance. We must continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for strategies that build the resilience of our nation. Together, we can create a future where no disaster can break our spirit, and where the Filipino people can thrive amidst any challenge,” he added.

SP Zubiri says Senate reso vs China bullying in WPS not a ‘pro-US’ move

By Butch Fernandez

SENATE President Miguel Zubiri has debunked speculations that a Senate Resolution denouncing China’s continued harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will be seen as a “proUS” strategy, saying it was adopted as part of the country’s continuing exercise of its options in the face of threats to its forces and its people.

Asked in a TV interview how real is the risk Senate Resolution No. 718 would be seen, as Senator Alan Cayetano warned, as an embodying pro-US sentiment should the Executive eventually decide to raise the issue with the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Zubiri said there is no such possibility.

“You know, in my resolution I removed whatever mention [there is] of the United States. In the initial Resolution of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, there was mention of likeminded countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. I had that removed, because I don’t care what.... I do not want this to be a geopolitical move. This is not a geopolitical move. I don’t want it to have a political color, that we are America’s minion that is why China is targeting us,” Zubiri said, partly in Filipino.

“ There is nothing of that sort,” Zubiri stressed. “I want to remove that from the equation. Of course, we have a Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. I’m thankful that in case of conflict, they could come to our aid, that’s a big help. But my point is, this is an issue of sovereignty.”

He recalled pointing out in a media interview: “Imagine if a Chinese boat was just 80 nautical miles from Hawaii. I think the United States 7th Fleet will deploy several ships. Say, the Chinese boat is 80 nautical miles from the Russian coastline, even Russia would react. They will not agree to it. And even, as a matter of fact, the BRICS—note that’s composed of states like India, Brazil, Russia—they have one group. But India already has come out [with its position on China’s] Nine Dash Line.”

He noted that the BRICS countries, which are outside the ambit of western powers, have come out warning against China’s push of its Nine Dash Line claim “because it’s not right that it seeks to cover such a big part of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.”

He cited another example, pointing with a ballpoint to a map: “If this w ere Palawan, 80 nautical miles is here from Northern Palawan and their closest, they were there last week; three weeks ago—almost a hundred ships!”

And yet, Zubiri said, the closest to China of the archipelago it claims is 600 nautical miles to Hainan province. That’s the island under China. That’s how far they are, so I’m surprised they can be so insistent on their claim. No rhyme, no reason, their conclusion of their territory is illogical. So my advice to them is, “Please get out of this area. It belongs to the Philippines.”

Zubiri was asked on a question raised by the French Ambassador to Manila on what is Manila’s expectation should the Executive decide to elevate the issue before the UNGA.

“The ambassador is asking what’s the point of taking it up to the UNGA? Well, it’s very simple: didn’t we win in the arbitral ruling, and 7 years have passed since the arbitral ruling. What’s stated in the arbitral ruling? It cites the 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Pag-Asa Island is 114 nautical miles from Palawan. Yet our friends from China, keep approaching [the area] committing many violations,” the Senate leader said.

He recalled the laser tagging incident by Chinese troops against personnel on the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard boats as well as the harassment of the supply lines not only for Pag-Asa Island, but also for Ayungin Shoal “which is much nearer to Palawan. They want to remove our soldiers there and take over Ayungin Shoal.”

The whole world should know about it because “if we don’t speak up and just keep filing diplomatic protests,” China will presume everything is well.

“So, we have to present this to the UNGA and show to our like-minded allies there, democratic countries there that believe in the rule of law and freedom of navigation, that there have been many violations since the arbitral ruling was given to us seven years ago.”