The Philippines has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership aimed at helping countries strengthen infrastructure and protect communities from climate and disaster risks.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the Philippines’ membership in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“Today, the Philippines officially joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, giving us greater access to global expertise, innovative solutions and partnerships to build infrastructure that can withstand disasters and protect Filipino communities for generations to come,” he said.
“The Filipino ‘bayanihan’ (cooperation) spirit will always be our greatest strength. But resilience must also be built into the roads, bridges, communication systems and public buildings that our people depend on every day,” Marcos added.
The President met with CDRI officials on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in New Delhi, India, where the Philippines was welcomed as the 71st member of the global coalition.
The Philippines is the second Southeast Asian nation to join CRDI after Vietnam.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said membership in the coalition would allow the Philippines to benefit from the experiences, technical expertise and best practices of other member countries in developing disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Gomez, who joined Marcos during the meeting, said the Philippines could also access financing for projects designed to strengthen infrastructure against climate and disaster risks.
“So, it’s a very big thing to be part of this Coalition,” Gomez said, stressing that investing in resilient infrastructure before disasters strike is more cost-effective than spending heavily on reconstruction and recovery after calamities.
CDRI Director-General Amit Prothi welcomed the Philippines’ inclusion in the coalition.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the Philippine institutions on disaster-resilient infrastructure and I’m very happy that they’ve decided to join the coalition,” Prothi said.
The Philippines’ membership forms part of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership and supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, National Adaptation Plan 2023-2050, and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030.
The PCO said the Department of Public Works and Highways has been designated to represent the Philippines in the CDRI.
Also present during Marcos’ meeting with CDRI officials were Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio.
India launched the CDRI in 2019 as a voluntary and non-binding global partnership focused on strengthening infrastructure against disasters and climate change.
Its members gain access to global expertise, funding, technical support, research opportunities, innovative solutions and international bet practices.
The coalition seeks to drive USD10 trillion of new and existing investments and services for disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure through enhanced capacity, informed policy, planning, and management.
It aims to improve environmental quality, livelihoods, and overall well-being for over three billion people worldwide.
The multi-stakeholder platform is primarily supported by voluntary contributions from member countries and organizations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, and World Bank. (PNA)
