Sendai Framework applied post-Haiyan

Source(s): United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Asia and Pacific
Mayor Afred Romualdez of Tacloban City receives a copy of the Sendai Framework from the head of UNISDR, Margareta Wahlstrom

Mayor Afred Romualdez of Tacloban City receives a copy of the Sendai Framework from the head of UNISDR, Margareta Wahlstrom

TACLOBAN, 15 September 2015 - Almost two years after the Philippines island of Leyte was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, “Building Back Better” is the principle guiding the efforts of local governments in Tacloban city, Javier, Tanuan and Palo municipalities which were visited yesterday by the head of UNISDR, Margareta Wahlström.

With almost 100,000 families still living in temporary houses, accelerating the construction of the government-funded 56,000 permanent houses and accompanying facilities appears to be the most challenging task.

Observing that reconstruction is often the most difficult area in disaster risk reduction, Ms. Wahlström highlighted the fact that building back better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction, is one of the four priorities for action in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted earlier this year at a UN World Conference.

She said: “The Sendai Framework emphasizes the multi-sectoral nature of disaster risk reduction. It is important to ensure the integrated planning and implementation of recovery and reconstruction efforts. Building the capacity of local governments for this integrated planning approach is important as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act requires local plans and the Sendai Framework sets a target for risk-informed national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction to be in place by 2020”.

Before touring the reconstruction sites, Ms. Wahlstrom was briefed by the regional offices of Government departments that are in charge of different rehabilitation and recovery programmes such as infrastructure, shelter, livelihoods and overall coordination and monitoring.
Ms. Wahlström noted: “Recovery and reconstruction require giving high priority to the economy. As new areas are being built in safer locations in the devastated municipalities, it is critical that the physical rebuilding is accompanied by the creation of jobs and opportunities to earn a living. This is crucial for sustainable recovery”.

“We really want to move to permanent houses. Our major concerns are access to piped water and livelihood opportunities”, said Ms. Robilin Chu, who volunteered to work in the health committee for 117 families of the Cali Transitional Shelter in Tacloban city.

Sustainable access to safe water has been a challenge for fast growing Tacloban city, even before Haiyan. The disaster and the need to resettle as many as 40,000 families make it even more challenging.

“I believe there is a good opportunity for public-private partnership to tackle this issue. The water supply system needs to be designed and managed by experts and the private sector can provide this professional service”, said Mayor Afred Romualdez of Tacloban City who shared his new city land use plan and lessons learned in responding to and recovering from the disaster.

“I have learned so much, thanks also to the support of the UN, NGO and other partners. This helps us to plan better and prepare for future disasters”, said Mayor Romualdez. “We have built a new command centre in a safe area and a training centre for disaster risk reduction and management. Building capacity is the key”.

Other valuable experiences have been learned as fast recovery has been observed in Leyte province.

“We have tried to have the 880 households in dangerous shoreline relocated to as close to their pre-Yolanda places to avoid livelihood disruption”, said Mayor Pel Tecson of Tanauan municipality. “Ensuring ownership, contractual relationship for protection and livelihoods opportunities are key”, emphasized the Mayor as his people proudly presented new agriculture products, bakery and a new community learning centre.

“I am pleased to see communities getting back with more resilient infrastructure and livelihoods”, said Secretary Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Vice Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as she joined the visit.

“Measures are being implemented to accelerate the implementation of national reconstruction programmes to ensure their best results for people”, the Secretary highlighted.

“We need to involve Local Government Units more”, said Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla of Leyte province. “The LGUs are close to people and they know what to do as experience with the fast reconstruction of LGU facilities has shown”.

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