Priority 1: Understanding Disaster Risk (Philippines Context)
Overview
Its central role is to ensure that all actions for managing disaster risk are based on accurate,
comprehensive, and context-specific knowledge. By fully understanding risks, societies can make
risk-informed decisions that prevent new risks, reduce existing ones, and enhance preparedness.
This priority is essential for developing policies, designing resilient infrastructure, implementing
early warning systems, and fostering a culture of preparedness within communities. Without a
systematic understanding of risks, disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are likely to be reactive
rather than proactive.
• Is about ensuring that policies and practices for disaster risk management are based on a
clear understanding of vulnerability and exposure to hazard. like typhoons, earthquakes,
and floods
Examples:
• Collecting, analyzing, and sharing disaggregated data by sex, age, disability, and
geography.
Example: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) includes disaster vulnerability indicators
in surveys, which are disaggregated by age, gender, and disability. This helped inform
targeted responses in areas hit by Typhoon.
• Developing risk assessments, maps, and early warning systems.
Example: Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), now managed by
PAGASA, has developed flood hazard maps and early warning systems used during typhoons
and heavy rain events.
• Integrating indigenous and local knowledge systems into formal risk assessments.
Example: In Ifugao and Benguet, indigenous knowledge of land use and slope stability is
considered by LGUs in planning to prevent landslides and erosion during rainy seasons.
• Example: After the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy, the lack of updated flood maps in Metro Manila
led to unexpected inundation. The disaster triggered greater investments in mapping and
drainage infrastructure planning to avoid the overwhelming water or flooding.
Conclusion:
By strengthening data systems, traditional knowledge, fostering inclusive participation,
societies can build comprehensive risk profiles. Strengthening data sharing, enhancing public
awareness, and involving multiple stakeholders are critical in transforming understanding into
action. Ultimately, better understanding of disaster risk reduces vulnerability, enhances
preparedness, and builds resilience against future disasters.
Societies can transition from reactive disaster management to proactive resilience
strategies. Ultimately, understanding disaster risk is not only about scientific analysis / analytical
study but also about empowering communities to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
Priority 2: Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance to Manage Disaster Risk
Overview
an essential for inclusive, transparent, and accountable disaster management. Disaster risk
governance refers to the structures, processes, and institutions that determine how societies
prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It is a critical element that integrates DRR into
development planning, climate adaptation, and resilience-building strategies.
This priority highlights the role of governance structures in integrating disaster risk
considerations into development planning, climate change adaptation, and public policy, ensuring
that risk reduction is mainstreamed into decision-making processes. By strengthening governance,
societies are better equipped to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
• To ensure that communities have clear leadership, policies, and systems in place so they can
effectively prevent and recover from disasters.
• This priority focuses on making sure local governments, barangays, and community leaders
work together with the people to create a safe, organized, and well-prepared community.
Examples
• Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) into policies, laws, and regulations.
Example: The Philippine DRRM Act of 2010 (RA 10121) institutionalized DRR in national and
local development plans, requiring every barangay to prepare a DRRM plan and allocate a
calamity fund.
• Encouraging public participation and transparency in disaster planning.
Example: Community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) programs
are widely practiced in areas, help assess local risks and formulate evacuation plans.
• Establishing mechanisms for coordination across sectors and jurisdictions.
Example: The NDRRMC leads a multi-agency response mechanism that includes the
Department of Health, DSWD, DILG, and AFP, which collaborate during typhoons,
earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions .
Conclusion:
Strong legal frameworks, institutional coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement,
and accountability mechanisms enable societies to manage risks more effectively. While
challenges such as weak institutions, fragmented policies, and limited resources persist,
strengthening governance through inclusive and transparent processes ensures more
resilient communities. Disaster risk governance is not only a technical necessity but also a
political and social imperative that determines the success of disaster risk reduction globally.
PURPOSE OF CBDRRM IN COMMUNITY
(Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.)
• To build safer, more resilient communities by involving the people themselves in identifying
hazards, assessing risks, and implementing disaster risk reduction actions.
• helps communities help themselves before, during, and after disasters — by being informed,
organized, and prepared.
PURPOSE OF OCD AND NDRRMC IN COMMUNITY
(NDRRMC) National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
• To provide leadership, coordination, and guidance to ensure that communities are safe,
prepared, and resilient to disasters.
(OCD) Office of Civil Defense
• To operationalize DRRM efforts and build the capacity of local communities to prevent,
respond to, and recover from disasters.
Both OCD and NDRRMC help ensure that communities are not just recipients of aid, but active
participants in disaster risk management.
PURPOSE OF PSA IN THE COMMUNITY
(PSA) Philippine Statistics Authority
• is the central statistical authority of the Philippines, it also plays a crucial role at the
community level by providing reliable, accessible, and timely data that helps improve local
governance and community development.
• To provide accurate and updated data that supports community planning, development,
disaster preparedness, poverty reduction, and delivery of basic services.
Providing Community-Level Data
PURPOSE OF PAGASA IN COMMUNITY
(Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.)
• To keep communities safe by providing accurate and timely weather information, warnings, and
forecasts to help them prepare for and respond to natural hazards like typhoons, floods, and
droughts.
• Early Warning and Alerts (Issues storm signals, rainfall advisories, flood warnings, and other
alerts.)
- Helps communities evacuate early or take necessary precautions before a disaster
hits.
• Weather Forecasting and Updates
- Provides daily weather forecasts
• Disaster Preparedness and Education
- Promotes climate and weather literacy at the local level.
• Monitoring Natural Hazards
- Tracks tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, and give real time information
NOTES:
PRIORITY 1
Introduction
Disaster risk is a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The capacity to mitigate these risks
is largely dependent on how well they are understood. Recognizing this, the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) underscores “Understanding Disaster Risk” as its first priority.
This principle is essential for developing policies, designing resilient infrastructure, implementing
early warning systems, and fostering a culture of preparedness within communities. Without a
systematic understanding of risks, disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are likely to be reactive
rather than proactive.
Dimensions of Understanding Disaster Risk
1. Hazard Knowledge
Disasters are triggered by natural and human-induced hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, floods, industrial accidents, and pandemics. To manage these effectively, risk
understanding requires:
• Hazard mapping through geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
• Historical analysis of hazard frequency and intensity.
• Predictive models for early warning and disaster forecasting.
2. Exposure Analysis
Exposure refers to the presence of people, assets, and ecosystems in hazard-prone areas. Key
considerations include:
• Identifying populations living in coastal zones, fault lines, or floodplains.
• Assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructures such as hospitals, schools,
transportation hubs, and power plants.
• Evaluating economic sectors at risk, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
3. Vulnerability Assessment
Vulnerability is shaped by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors. It reflects the
susceptibility of communities to harm and their limited ability to cope. Critical factors include:
• Socioeconomic conditions such as poverty, inequality, and weak governance.
• Infrastructure quality, including unsafe housing and inadequate health facilities.
• Environmental conditions, such as deforestation, unregulated urbanization, and climate
change impacts.
4. Capacity and Resilience
Beyond identifying risks, understanding disaster risk requires assessing coping capacities. This
involves:
• Community preparedness and risk awareness programs.
• Institutional capacity for emergency response and recovery.
• Local and national strategies for resilience building, such as climate adaptation and
sustainable urban planning.
Role of Data and Information
Reliable data is the cornerstone of disaster risk understanding. The Sendai Framework calls for the
strengthening of risk information systems, including:
• Disaster loss databases to track impacts across time.
• Geospatial and remote sensing technologies for real-time hazard monitoring.
• Open access platforms that promote transparency and information sharing.
• Integration of indigenous and community-based knowledge with scientific research.
Stakeholder Participation
Understanding disaster risk is a collective responsibility. It requires cooperation across sectors and
scales:
• Governments must institutionalize risk assessments and develop policy frameworks.
• Scientists and academic institutions should conduct hazard and vulnerability research.
• Private sector actors need to invest in resilient infrastructure and ensure business
continuity.
• Communities and civil society provide local knowledge and play a central role in
preparedness and response.
• International organizations contribute resources, expertise, and coordination.
Challenges in Understanding Disaster Risk
Despite global advances, several challenges remain:
• Insufficient funding for research and data collection.
• Fragmentation of information across institutions and sectors.
• Limited public awareness and risk communication strategies.
• Urbanization pressures that increase exposure to hazards.
• Climate change, which intensifies natural hazards and creates uncertainties beyond
historical records.
Conclusion
Priority 1 of the Sendai Framework—Understanding Disaster Risk—is the foundation of disaster risk
reduction and resilience building. A holistic understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities, exposure, and
capacities enables governments, communities, and stakeholders to make risk-informed decisions.
By strengthening data systems, fostering inclusive participation, and addressing challenges such as
climate change and urbanization, societies can transition from reactive disaster management to
proactive resilience strategies. Ultimately, understanding disaster risk is not only about scientific
analysis but also about empowering communities to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
PRIOIRITY 2
Introduction
Disasters are not merely the result of natural hazards but also the outcome of weak governance,
inadequate policies, and uncoordinated risk management systems. Recognizing this, the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) emphasizes Priority 2: Strengthening Disaster
Risk Governance as essential for inclusive, transparent, and accountable disaster management.
Disaster risk governance refers to the structures, processes, and institutions that determine how
societies prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It is a critical element that integrates
DRR into development planning, climate adaptation, and resilience-building strategies.
Dimensions of Disaster Risk Governance
1. Legal and Policy Frameworks
Strong governance requires robust legal and policy systems that clearly define responsibilities and
mandates for disaster management. These frameworks:
• Establish national disaster risk reduction laws and policies.
• Align DRR with climate change adaptation and sustainable development goals.
• Define accountability mechanisms for governments and stakeholders.
2. Institutional Coordination
Effective governance relies on collaboration across different levels of government and between
sectors. This involves:
• Strengthening national disaster management agencies.
• Creating coordination mechanisms between local and national governments.
• Integrating DRR into health, education, infrastructure, and environmental policies.
3. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Governance must be inclusive, involving diverse actors beyond government institutions. Key
participants include:
• Civil society and communities for local knowledge and grassroots resilience.
• Private sector for resilient infrastructure investment and risk-sensitive business practices.
• Academia and research institutions for hazard analysis and policy recommendations.
• International and regional organizations for technical and financial support.
4. Transparency and Accountability
Good governance requires mechanisms to ensure:
• Transparent decision-making in resource allocation and disaster response.
• Public participation in disaster planning and monitoring.
• Accountability of institutions through audits, evaluations, and legal compliance.
Role of Governance in Managing Disaster Risk
Disaster risk governance strengthens the ability of societies to manage risks by:
• Ensuring risk-informed decision-making at all levels of governance.
• Promoting decentralization, empowering local governments to act quickly.
• Mainstreaming disaster risk considerations into national development plans.
• Enhancing policy coherence by linking DRR, climate adaptation, and sustainable
development.
• Facilitating international cooperation, enabling countries to share best practices and
resources.
Challenges in Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance
Despite its importance, governance in disaster risk management faces persistent challenges:
• Institutional weaknesses, such as lack of capacity and unclear mandates.
• Fragmented policies, leading to duplication of efforts.
• Limited funding and resources for local disaster risk management.
• Corruption and lack of accountability in disaster relief and recovery operations.
• Low community participation, reducing the effectiveness of policies.
Case Examples
• Philippines: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 institutionalized DRR
at the national and local levels, but challenges remain in financing and coordination among
agencies.
• Japan: A model of strong disaster governance, with integrated legal frameworks, early
warning systems, and community drills contributing to resilience.
• Nepal: Post-2015 earthquake recovery highlighted the importance of decentralized
governance, but institutional fragmentation slowed rebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
Priority 2 of the Sendai Framework emphasizes that disaster risk governance is a cornerstone of
effective DRR. Strong legal frameworks, institutional coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement,
and accountability mechanisms enable societies to manage risks more effectively. While challenges
such as weak institutions, fragmented policies, and limited resources persist, strengthening
governance through inclusive and transparent processes ensures more resilient communities.
Disaster risk governance is therefore not only a technical necessity but also a political and social
imperative that determines the success of disaster risk reduction globally.

SENDAI MANUSCRIPT.pdfgggggggggggggggggggggggggg

  • 1.
    Priority 1: UnderstandingDisaster Risk (Philippines Context) Overview Its central role is to ensure that all actions for managing disaster risk are based on accurate, comprehensive, and context-specific knowledge. By fully understanding risks, societies can make risk-informed decisions that prevent new risks, reduce existing ones, and enhance preparedness. This priority is essential for developing policies, designing resilient infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and fostering a culture of preparedness within communities. Without a systematic understanding of risks, disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are likely to be reactive rather than proactive. • Is about ensuring that policies and practices for disaster risk management are based on a clear understanding of vulnerability and exposure to hazard. like typhoons, earthquakes, and floods Examples: • Collecting, analyzing, and sharing disaggregated data by sex, age, disability, and geography. Example: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) includes disaster vulnerability indicators in surveys, which are disaggregated by age, gender, and disability. This helped inform targeted responses in areas hit by Typhoon. • Developing risk assessments, maps, and early warning systems. Example: Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), now managed by PAGASA, has developed flood hazard maps and early warning systems used during typhoons and heavy rain events. • Integrating indigenous and local knowledge systems into formal risk assessments. Example: In Ifugao and Benguet, indigenous knowledge of land use and slope stability is considered by LGUs in planning to prevent landslides and erosion during rainy seasons. • Example: After the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy, the lack of updated flood maps in Metro Manila led to unexpected inundation. The disaster triggered greater investments in mapping and drainage infrastructure planning to avoid the overwhelming water or flooding. Conclusion: By strengthening data systems, traditional knowledge, fostering inclusive participation, societies can build comprehensive risk profiles. Strengthening data sharing, enhancing public awareness, and involving multiple stakeholders are critical in transforming understanding into action. Ultimately, better understanding of disaster risk reduces vulnerability, enhances preparedness, and builds resilience against future disasters. Societies can transition from reactive disaster management to proactive resilience strategies. Ultimately, understanding disaster risk is not only about scientific analysis / analytical study but also about empowering communities to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
  • 2.
    Priority 2: StrengtheningDisaster Risk Governance to Manage Disaster Risk Overview an essential for inclusive, transparent, and accountable disaster management. Disaster risk governance refers to the structures, processes, and institutions that determine how societies prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It is a critical element that integrates DRR into development planning, climate adaptation, and resilience-building strategies. This priority highlights the role of governance structures in integrating disaster risk considerations into development planning, climate change adaptation, and public policy, ensuring that risk reduction is mainstreamed into decision-making processes. By strengthening governance, societies are better equipped to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. • To ensure that communities have clear leadership, policies, and systems in place so they can effectively prevent and recover from disasters. • This priority focuses on making sure local governments, barangays, and community leaders work together with the people to create a safe, organized, and well-prepared community. Examples • Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) into policies, laws, and regulations. Example: The Philippine DRRM Act of 2010 (RA 10121) institutionalized DRR in national and local development plans, requiring every barangay to prepare a DRRM plan and allocate a calamity fund. • Encouraging public participation and transparency in disaster planning. Example: Community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) programs are widely practiced in areas, help assess local risks and formulate evacuation plans. • Establishing mechanisms for coordination across sectors and jurisdictions. Example: The NDRRMC leads a multi-agency response mechanism that includes the Department of Health, DSWD, DILG, and AFP, which collaborate during typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions . Conclusion: Strong legal frameworks, institutional coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement, and accountability mechanisms enable societies to manage risks more effectively. While challenges such as weak institutions, fragmented policies, and limited resources persist, strengthening governance through inclusive and transparent processes ensures more resilient communities. Disaster risk governance is not only a technical necessity but also a political and social imperative that determines the success of disaster risk reduction globally.
  • 3.
    PURPOSE OF CBDRRMIN COMMUNITY (Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.) • To build safer, more resilient communities by involving the people themselves in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing disaster risk reduction actions. • helps communities help themselves before, during, and after disasters — by being informed, organized, and prepared. PURPOSE OF OCD AND NDRRMC IN COMMUNITY (NDRRMC) National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council • To provide leadership, coordination, and guidance to ensure that communities are safe, prepared, and resilient to disasters. (OCD) Office of Civil Defense • To operationalize DRRM efforts and build the capacity of local communities to prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters. Both OCD and NDRRMC help ensure that communities are not just recipients of aid, but active participants in disaster risk management. PURPOSE OF PSA IN THE COMMUNITY (PSA) Philippine Statistics Authority • is the central statistical authority of the Philippines, it also plays a crucial role at the community level by providing reliable, accessible, and timely data that helps improve local governance and community development. • To provide accurate and updated data that supports community planning, development, disaster preparedness, poverty reduction, and delivery of basic services. Providing Community-Level Data PURPOSE OF PAGASA IN COMMUNITY (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.) • To keep communities safe by providing accurate and timely weather information, warnings, and forecasts to help them prepare for and respond to natural hazards like typhoons, floods, and droughts. • Early Warning and Alerts (Issues storm signals, rainfall advisories, flood warnings, and other alerts.) - Helps communities evacuate early or take necessary precautions before a disaster hits.
  • 4.
    • Weather Forecastingand Updates - Provides daily weather forecasts • Disaster Preparedness and Education - Promotes climate and weather literacy at the local level. • Monitoring Natural Hazards - Tracks tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, and give real time information NOTES: PRIORITY 1 Introduction Disaster risk is a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The capacity to mitigate these risks is largely dependent on how well they are understood. Recognizing this, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) underscores “Understanding Disaster Risk” as its first priority. This principle is essential for developing policies, designing resilient infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and fostering a culture of preparedness within communities. Without a systematic understanding of risks, disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are likely to be reactive rather than proactive. Dimensions of Understanding Disaster Risk 1. Hazard Knowledge Disasters are triggered by natural and human-induced hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, industrial accidents, and pandemics. To manage these effectively, risk understanding requires: • Hazard mapping through geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
  • 5.
    • Historical analysisof hazard frequency and intensity. • Predictive models for early warning and disaster forecasting. 2. Exposure Analysis Exposure refers to the presence of people, assets, and ecosystems in hazard-prone areas. Key considerations include: • Identifying populations living in coastal zones, fault lines, or floodplains. • Assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, transportation hubs, and power plants. • Evaluating economic sectors at risk, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. 3. Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability is shaped by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors. It reflects the susceptibility of communities to harm and their limited ability to cope. Critical factors include: • Socioeconomic conditions such as poverty, inequality, and weak governance. • Infrastructure quality, including unsafe housing and inadequate health facilities. • Environmental conditions, such as deforestation, unregulated urbanization, and climate change impacts. 4. Capacity and Resilience Beyond identifying risks, understanding disaster risk requires assessing coping capacities. This involves: • Community preparedness and risk awareness programs. • Institutional capacity for emergency response and recovery. • Local and national strategies for resilience building, such as climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning. Role of Data and Information Reliable data is the cornerstone of disaster risk understanding. The Sendai Framework calls for the strengthening of risk information systems, including: • Disaster loss databases to track impacts across time. • Geospatial and remote sensing technologies for real-time hazard monitoring. • Open access platforms that promote transparency and information sharing. • Integration of indigenous and community-based knowledge with scientific research. Stakeholder Participation
  • 6.
    Understanding disaster riskis a collective responsibility. It requires cooperation across sectors and scales: • Governments must institutionalize risk assessments and develop policy frameworks. • Scientists and academic institutions should conduct hazard and vulnerability research. • Private sector actors need to invest in resilient infrastructure and ensure business continuity. • Communities and civil society provide local knowledge and play a central role in preparedness and response. • International organizations contribute resources, expertise, and coordination. Challenges in Understanding Disaster Risk Despite global advances, several challenges remain: • Insufficient funding for research and data collection. • Fragmentation of information across institutions and sectors. • Limited public awareness and risk communication strategies. • Urbanization pressures that increase exposure to hazards. • Climate change, which intensifies natural hazards and creates uncertainties beyond historical records. Conclusion Priority 1 of the Sendai Framework—Understanding Disaster Risk—is the foundation of disaster risk reduction and resilience building. A holistic understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities, exposure, and capacities enables governments, communities, and stakeholders to make risk-informed decisions. By strengthening data systems, fostering inclusive participation, and addressing challenges such as climate change and urbanization, societies can transition from reactive disaster management to proactive resilience strategies. Ultimately, understanding disaster risk is not only about scientific analysis but also about empowering communities to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. PRIOIRITY 2 Introduction Disasters are not merely the result of natural hazards but also the outcome of weak governance, inadequate policies, and uncoordinated risk management systems. Recognizing this, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) emphasizes Priority 2: Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance as essential for inclusive, transparent, and accountable disaster management. Disaster risk governance refers to the structures, processes, and institutions that determine how
  • 7.
    societies prepare for,respond to, and recover from disasters. It is a critical element that integrates DRR into development planning, climate adaptation, and resilience-building strategies. Dimensions of Disaster Risk Governance 1. Legal and Policy Frameworks Strong governance requires robust legal and policy systems that clearly define responsibilities and mandates for disaster management. These frameworks: • Establish national disaster risk reduction laws and policies. • Align DRR with climate change adaptation and sustainable development goals. • Define accountability mechanisms for governments and stakeholders. 2. Institutional Coordination Effective governance relies on collaboration across different levels of government and between sectors. This involves: • Strengthening national disaster management agencies. • Creating coordination mechanisms between local and national governments. • Integrating DRR into health, education, infrastructure, and environmental policies. 3. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Governance must be inclusive, involving diverse actors beyond government institutions. Key participants include: • Civil society and communities for local knowledge and grassroots resilience. • Private sector for resilient infrastructure investment and risk-sensitive business practices. • Academia and research institutions for hazard analysis and policy recommendations. • International and regional organizations for technical and financial support. 4. Transparency and Accountability Good governance requires mechanisms to ensure: • Transparent decision-making in resource allocation and disaster response. • Public participation in disaster planning and monitoring. • Accountability of institutions through audits, evaluations, and legal compliance. Role of Governance in Managing Disaster Risk Disaster risk governance strengthens the ability of societies to manage risks by: • Ensuring risk-informed decision-making at all levels of governance.
  • 8.
    • Promoting decentralization,empowering local governments to act quickly. • Mainstreaming disaster risk considerations into national development plans. • Enhancing policy coherence by linking DRR, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. • Facilitating international cooperation, enabling countries to share best practices and resources. Challenges in Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance Despite its importance, governance in disaster risk management faces persistent challenges: • Institutional weaknesses, such as lack of capacity and unclear mandates. • Fragmented policies, leading to duplication of efforts. • Limited funding and resources for local disaster risk management. • Corruption and lack of accountability in disaster relief and recovery operations. • Low community participation, reducing the effectiveness of policies. Case Examples • Philippines: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 institutionalized DRR at the national and local levels, but challenges remain in financing and coordination among agencies. • Japan: A model of strong disaster governance, with integrated legal frameworks, early warning systems, and community drills contributing to resilience. • Nepal: Post-2015 earthquake recovery highlighted the importance of decentralized governance, but institutional fragmentation slowed rebuilding efforts. Conclusion Priority 2 of the Sendai Framework emphasizes that disaster risk governance is a cornerstone of effective DRR. Strong legal frameworks, institutional coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement, and accountability mechanisms enable societies to manage risks more effectively. While challenges such as weak institutions, fragmented policies, and limited resources persist, strengthening governance through inclusive and transparent processes ensures more resilient communities. Disaster risk governance is therefore not only a technical necessity but also a political and social imperative that determines the success of disaster risk reduction globally.