The European Union is helping reinforce the Philippines’ local government units by building and enhancing existing capabilities in key disaster-risk reduction aspects.

Through its proprietary Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level Technical Assistance Program, the EU will address critical gaps, namely, risk-informed planning, integrated capacity-development strategies, effective local DRRM funds’ utilization, and gender sensitive and socially inclusive disaster response toward ensuring the readiness and protection of citizens, especially the vulnerable.

The program will also conduct high-level policy dialogue among government and non-government stakeholders in setting important policy directions and solutions that foster co-ownership and accountability.

Co-funded by the EU, the €4.28 million (P256 million) fund augments a programmatic policy-based loan by the French government amounting to P250 million to the government of the Philippines in 2021.

The DRREALL TA Program will be implemented by the Expertise France and will run from 2024 to 2027 in close partnership among DILG, LGUs, partner national agencies and French institutions.

The Finance department said that the program is a fitting solution to the Philippines’ ongoing battle against climate change.

“Given our archipelagic nature, each locality in the Philippines faces its own unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities. This [DRREALL Program] will allow us to empower our local government units as we develop climate projects and programs uniquely tailored to their specific needs. By doing so, we ensure sensitivity to localities and increase the likelihood of achieving the greatest positive impact for our people,” said Secretary Ralph Recto.

EU Ambassador Luc Véron: “DRREALL is one element in a larger framework of partnership — the Team Europe Green Economy Initiative. As part of this initiative, the EU launched recently the €60 million EU-Philippines Green Economy Program, which will focus on the Philippines’ transition toward a more circular economy, reducing waste and plastic, as well as increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

“We encourage all stakeholders identified in the implementation of the DRREALL TA activities, to pledge their active engagement, valuable knowledge and technical expertise for the successful implementation of the program,” said DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan.