Olowan calls for collaboration to achieve disaster resilience
Vice Mayor Faustino A. Olowan called on concerned stakeholders to work collaboratively to strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of the residents in the face of adversity.
He claimed that the city, with its attractive landscapes, vibrant diversity, and immense talents, has been a haven for many, but the people should not forget that the city is exposed to the unpredictable forces of nature.
The vice mayor pointed out that residents have witnessed first hand the devastating impacts of disasters that have tested their resilience time and again from typhoons and earthquakes to fires and epidemics. The said events have left scars in the cityโs rich history.
However, Olowan argued that it is in such moments of struggle that the true strength and spirit of the Filipino people shine through.
According to him, building a resilient Baguio requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-the society approach that is why each resident has a role to play in mitigating and preparing for disasters.
Olowan emphasized that by staying informed about potential risks, adhering to safety protocols, and actively participating in disaster preparedness drills and training, residents can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to protect their families, neighbors and the community.
Moreover, he stipulated that it is essential that the local government invest in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery as it is not enough to simply wait for disasters to strike and then scramble to pick up the pieces.
He asserted that working together, people can advocate for policies that prioritize resilience as one of the cityโs agenda aside from promoting sustainable development practices that protect the environment and reduce vulnerabilities to disaster risks.
He called on the people to support initiatives that provide access to education and health care, ensuring that they are equipped with knowledge and resources to not only survive but thrive in the face of disasters.
The city official said that people must also remember that the essence of resilience lies not only in bouncing back after a disaster but in thriving despite obstacles that confront them.
In the face of such adversities, Olowan stated that people must come together as a community as it is through this that the wellbeing and resilience of everyone could be reinforced.
Further, by fostering collaboration and cooperation between the government, private sector, civil society organizations and communities, he reiterated that a resilient city can be built that can withstand any challenge that will come.
More importantly, he reminded the people not to forget the importance of preserving the environment since the cityโs rich natural resources are not only sources of beauty but also vital components of the desired resilience.
He appealed to the people to actively participate in reforestation efforts, waste management initiatives and advocating for sustainable practices to protect the environment and mitigate the impact of disasters. – Dexter A. See
