
ARISE Philippines: A Force for Resilience
ARISE Philippines, a leading force in disaster risk reduction (DRR), recently celebrated its network members and partners at the “United Towards Resilience” ceremony. Held on December 2, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, the event brought together over 200 individuals, including government officials, private sector leaders, and community representatives.
A Vision for a Resilient Future
Engr. Liza Silerio, co-chairperson of ARISE Philippines, painted a compelling picture of a future where disasters no longer hold the same power. She emphasized the urgency of accelerating DRR efforts to meet the 2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) goals. Silerio’s call to action inspired attendees to strengthen collaboration and innovation to build a more resilient future.
A Powerful Partnership
The event was graced by the presence of high-ranking government officials, including Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Additionally, Undersecretary Malu Erni and other DENR officials, as well as representatives from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), attended the ceremony.
Hans Sy, Chairperson of ARISE Philippines, underscored the crucial role of the private sector in DRR. His active participation highlighted the organization’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and driving impactful initiatives.
Honoring Heroes of Resilience
The ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of ARISE network members and partners. Plaques and certificates were awarded to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to DRR. These honorees embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives ARISE Philippines’ mission.
A Symphony of Resilience
Local government officials, first responders, and community leaders shared their experiences and insights on the importance of local government-private sector partnerships. They painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved in building resilient communities.
VAdm Alexander Pama (Ret.), ARISE Philippines Global Board Member, reflected on the outcomes of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts to achieve the SFDRR goals and called for increased innovation and collaboration.
A Shared Legacy
Atty. Alexander Cabrera, Vice Chairperson of ARISE Philippines, concluded the event by expressing gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building a more resilient future. He highlighted the importance of collective action and the power of partnerships in addressing disaster risks.
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A Brighter Future
ARISE Philippines remains dedicated to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring action in the field of DRR. By uniting diverse stakeholders, the organization aims to create a more resilient and sustainable future for the Philippines and beyond.