EDITORIAL: Disaster Resilience

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to establish a national task force for the long-term redevelopment of communities displaced by volcanic eruptions is a meaningful and noteworthy step toward furthering disaster preparedness and response in this counrry.

With the ongoing restiveness of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, the urgency of a comprehensive and proactive approach to disaster management cannot be overstated.

The creation of a dedicated task force, led by the Office of Civil Defense and composed of various government agencies and local government units, is a recognition that disaster response should go beyond immediate relief efforts.

It must involve strategic planning for rehabilitation, infrastructure development, and livelihood restoration. As the country faces frequent natural calamities, the need for synergy among government institutions is paramount.

A reactive stance is no longer sufficient; a forward-looking strategy that ensures communities are resilient and prepared is necessary.

The President’s call for permanent evacuation centers outside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Kanlaon is a welcome move. Temporary shelters often lack adequate facilities and are not sustainable solutions for displaced families.

By investing in permanent structures designed to accommodate evacuees safely and comfortably, the government can provide dignity to those affected while also minimizing long-term economic disruptions.

However, beyond infrastructure, the national task force must also focus on sustainable relocation, livelihood support, and hazard education.

The thousands of families currently in evacuation centers and the potential displacement of another 90,000 people should push authorities to implement community-based disaster preparedness programs that emphasize self-reliance and swift response mechanisms.

The presence of Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum at the situation briefing signals the importance of a multi-agency approach to disaster resilience.

Science-based risk assessments must guide policy decisions, and social welfare programs should ensure that affected individuals receive adequate assistance in rebuilding their lives.

It is worth noting that the President’s visit to Negros Occidental coincided with the campaign rally of administration-backed senatorial candidates. While the timing of such events may raise questions about political motives, what matters most is that the government follows through on its commitment to the displaced communities.

The success of this task force will be measured not by rhetoric but by concrete actions that yield lasting improvements in disaster mitigation and recovery.

Moving forward, the challenge lies in sustained implementation. Past experiences have shown that grand plans often fall short due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of coordination.

It is crucial that this initiative does not become another well-intentioned policy that fails in execution. Transparency, accountability, and the active involvement of local communities should be prioritized to ensure that the task force achieves meaningful results.

The eruption of Kanlaon Volcano serves as a reminder that the Philippines remains vulnerable to natural disasters. But with proactive planning, strong leadership, and genuine commitment, we can move from a cycle of repeated calamities to a future of resilience and preparedness.