The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Philippines called for investments in disaster risk reduction (DRR) to make the country’s most vulnerable communities resilient.
The spotlight turned to the Philippines last week being at the frontlines of climate change and disasters after the world observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).
UNDP urged the Philippines to prioritize investments in disaster risk reduction, especially those that can create lasting, transformative change for the communities most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of disasters.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Philippines ranks first as the world’s most disaster-prone country, according to the World Risk Index Report 2025. In a country where an average of 20 typhoons strike annually, along with floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, resilience funding has become a critical national priority.
With the latest report, UNDP said the Philippines must rethink its approach to implementing local projects.
While it cannot change its geographic location, the Philippines can address systemic vulnerabilities by grounding interventions in scientific evidence from upgrading drainage systems and protecting ecosystems, to generating jobs, ensuring business continuity, and securing the nexus of water, health, and food security.
UNDP Philippines and Australia, advocating for disaster risk reduction efforts in the country, are implementing the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program, which continues to champion inclusive and evidence-based DRR initiatives.
SHIELD is implemented together with consortium and government partners: Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), National Resilience Council (NRC), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
To mark the IDDRR 2025, UNDP through the SHIELD Program team joined government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations and international and local development partners at the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 Exhibit held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
The SHIELD booth highlighted how local insights and resilience stories are shaping innovative approaches to risk-to-resilience investments.
It showcased multi-stakeholder partnerships and promoted locally driven solutions that empower communities to anticipate and reduce risks. The booth features practical tools designed to support local actors and gather valuable stakeholder feedback on key initiatives.
“Our participation in IDDRR 2025 reflects SHIELD’s commitment to unlock resilience funding. By equipping local governments and communities with the right tools, data, and partnerships, we help ensure that resilience is a vision and a funded, actionable priority,” said Jacqueline Miel-Soliguin, SHIELD programme manager. UNDP Philippines News
