Global Assessment Report launched in Philippines

The launch of the 2009 Global Assessment Report (GAR) on Disaster Risk Reduction prepared by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), took place yesterday, 28 October 2009, in the urban village of Barangay Nangka, Marikina City, one of the Metro Manila cities severely affected by floods. The report highlights the underlying drivers of disaster risks; poor urban governance, vulnerable rural livelihood and the decline of ecosystems.

Hosted by the Philippine Senate Committee on Climate Change and Chair, Senator Loren Legarda, the event was attended by national and local government officials, private sector groups, NGOs, and community leaders. A public hearing followed the launch with discussions on prevailing flood recovery issues and concerns of the local community. Some of the families affected by the floods gave their testimonies and described their living conditions after the disaster, they also conveyed their recovery needs.