UNISDR champion receives "Asian Leaders Award" for climate change advocacy

MAKATI CITY, 11 November 2011 – UNISDR champion Senator Loren Legarda received the Asian Leader Award for Environment Policy, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation last week. The award was given by publishing company Seagull Philippines, which held its 1st Seagull Philippines Asian Leaders Awards ceremony for Excellence, Best Values and Social Responsibility, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City last Friday.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, is author of several laws in the Philippines relating to climate, such as the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

When heavy monsoon rains hit the Philippines in late September and early October, Legarda called for an integrated flood warning and response system. " It is important to make recommendations that will improve flood mitigation and response preparedness before the next one hits the country."

Those floods affected 3.2 million people, forcing 180,000 people from their homes.