Iloilo as a resilient city

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

AMIDST the brisk developments in Iloilo City, Mayor Joe Espinosa III hopes that the metropolis will continue to strengthen its vision of becoming a resilient community.

“Resilient in the sense that amid the fast-rising developments, what we are doing is a work in progress and right track towards sustainability, future-proofing, inclusive, and livable community for all,” Espinosa said.

As the host of the 11th CITYNET Disaster Cluster Seminar, Iloilo has always been at the forefront to adopt new eco-friendly and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

CITYNET Yokohama head Kendra Hirata said the best way to overcome the changing patterns of disasters is to exchange information among local governments.

“Particularly, in terms of patterns of disasters, it is changing. We are trying to develop a strategy as the city government level as to how city governments can better be prepared and produce policies and guidelines for the residents so that each city and community can be resilient on its own,” Hirata said.

Hirata added that they have seen many good examples particularly in Iloilo City which they hope to share to other members of the CITYNET.

According to him, the seminar gives them the opportunity to not only share best practices but also what the members can do together to make cities and communities more resilient

When asked about the best practices that the Iloilo City can share with the members of the CITYNET, Espinosa mentioned capacity building.

“Iloilo City has sent some of our barangay captains to train in Yokohama. During fires and disasters, barangay officials who were trained know where to proceed and how to take care of the residents, and all other aspects in response,” said Espinosa.

Espinosa added that with the city’s bigger resources, it can prepare for disasters.

“We have strengthened multi-sectoral involvement in disaster-preparedness, bringing advocacies to business, academe and grassroots, especially the vulnerable, because I firmly believe that no one should be left behind in times of disaster,” he added.

Hirata stressed the need to identify what the risks are and to understand the risk are and to understand the risks correctly.

“Even here in the Philippines, we have realized that a lot of city risks and reduction management office still need more capacity to prepare for better response and for better preparedness,” he mentioned.

After the three-day seminar, Hirata said they passed a resolution signed by partner CITYNET members.

“The content is a commitment of all CITYNET members to prepare better and to disseminate knowledge that they have gained through the seminars and trainings down to the local committee levels,” he said.