Philippines Joins Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Philippines has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership focused on helping countries strengthen infrastructure and protect communities from climate-related and disaster risks.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the country’s membership in a social media post on Saturday, describing the move as an important step toward building infrastructure capable of withstanding disasters and safeguarding communities for future generations.
Marcos emphasized that while the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, or collective cooperation, remains a major national strength, resilience must also be incorporated into essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, communications systems and public buildings.
The President met with CDRI officials on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where the Philippines was welcomed as the coalition’s 71st member.
The Philippines is the second Southeast Asian country to join the CDRI, following Vietnam.
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said membership would provide the Philippines with access to the experience, technical expertise and best practices of other member countries in developing disaster-resilient infrastructure.
He added that the country would also have access to potential financing opportunities for projects designed to strengthen infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. Gomez stressed that investing in resilience before disasters occur is more cost-effective than undertaking extensive reconstruction and recovery efforts after calamities.
CDRI Director-General Amit Prothi welcomed the Philippines’ decision to join the coalition and expressed his readiness to work with Philippine institutions on disaster-resilient infrastructure.
The Philippines’ membership forms part of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership and supports key national development frameworks, including the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050 and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020–2030.
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 dedicated to strengthening infrastructure against disasters and climate change.
The coalition provides its members with access to global expertise, financing opportunities, technical assistance, research, innovative solutions and international best practices.
The CDRI seeks to facilitate approximately $10 trillion in new and existing investments and services for disaster- and climate-resilient infrastructure through enhanced capacity-building, informed policymaking, planning and management.
The coalition aims to contribute to improved environmental conditions, livelihoods and overall well-being for more than three billion people worldwide. Its activities are primarily supported through voluntary contributions from member countries and organizations, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands and the World Bank.
