Groups seeks investments in projects that prepare people for disasters

Fisherfolk from Central Mindanao simulate the early evacuation of a fishing boat during drills for a forecast typhoon in October to protect livelihoods ahead of disasters. (Photo courtesy of Food and Agriculture Organization)

MANILA, Philippines — A group has called for more investments in disaster prevention to strengthen the resilience of Philippine agriculture sector.

The appeal comes a decade after Super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) devastated the country.

In a statement on Monday, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations cited the adoption of ‘Anticipatory Action’ (AA) approach as one of the measures to prepare communities before a disaster strikes.

AA approach is acting ahead of predicted hazards to minimize human fatalities and agricultural destructions.

Providing aid to farmers and fisherfolks’ families, and utilizing government’s social protection systems can also shield Filipinos from losses in natural calamities, FAO added.

FAO Representative to the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie believes AA approach is an innovative and scalable solution.

“The FAO has calculated that a dollar invested this way could yield seven dollars in benefits and avoided losses,” said Dabbadie.

The organization has been conducting simulation exercises in some parts of the country since 2021.

In September, FAO held drills in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

It tested the pre-disaster risk assessment protocols, communication flow, and aid coordination in the barangays.

Another drill was done in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, in October.