Extreme Weather Events -Ranked second in the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Perception Survey 2024–2025

Strengthening National Response to Extreme Weather- Roles and Risks in the Philippine Context

 Author Disclaimer:

This article is a study and a reflection of my PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE, formulated from various frameworks and best practices I have encountered in my academic and professional journey. The examples and figures presented are conceptual and should be treated as guiding principles, not as real-world scenarios or COMPLETELY validated data. Readers are advised to use the content herein as a reference for exploring ideas and strategies, not as a definitive source of operational frameworks or policy implementation. While the insights aim to inspire critical thinking and understanding, they are not grounded in empirical research or official government practices. Users should exercise discretion and seek further research or professional guidance when applying these principles to real-life situations. ~JHMENOR

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

As the global climate crisis intensifies, extreme weather events have become more frequent, unpredictable, and destructive. The Philippines, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and within the typhoon belt, is especially vulnerable. Ranked second in the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Perception Survey 2024–2025, extreme weather events pose a major threat to life, livelihood, infrastructure, and national development.

Impact of Extreme Weather Events

These events include typhoons, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, which cause extensive damage to communities, agricultural output, and critical infrastructure. In 2020 alone, Typhoon Rolly (Goni) and Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) displaced millions and caused billions in damages. Such recurring disasters hinder economic growth, strain public resources, and deepen poverty.

Key Government Agencies and Their Roles

1. Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA)

   • Obligation: Provide accurate weather forecasts and early warnings.

   • Role: Monitor atmospheric conditions and issue advisories.

2. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

   • Obligation: Lead disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

   • Role: Coordinate national and local government responses to disasters.

3. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

   • Obligation: Ensure LGUs implement disaster risk reduction plans.

   • Role: Capacity building for local governance in risk-prone areas.

4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

   • Obligation: Protect forests, watersheds, and coastal areas.

   • Role: Implement climate adaptation and ecosystem-based solutions.

5. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

   • Obligation: Provide emergency relief and rehabilitation.

   • Role: Mobilize social protection programs post-disaster.

6. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

   • Obligation: Ensure resilient infrastructure design and repair.

   • Role: Retrofit or rebuild roads, bridges, and flood control systems.

Risk Assessment and Action Plan Table: Extreme Weather Events

Risk	Impact	Responsible Agencies	Action Plan	Mitigation Measures
Typhoons and Strong Winds	Destruction of homes, loss of life, power outages	PAGASA, NDRRMC, DILG	Early warning systems, preemptive evacuations, public advisories	Upgrade housing materials, storm-resilient shelters, national simulation drills
Flooding	Infrastructure damage, waterborne diseases, crop losses	DPWH, LGUs, NDRRMC	Build/upgrade drainage systems, deploy rescue units	Reforestation, proper land use planning, urban drainage planning
Drought	Water scarcity, agricultural losses	DA, DENR, NIA	Drought monitoring, sustainable irrigation systems, crop diversification	Rainwater harvesting, watershed protection, drought-resistant crops
Sea Level Rise	Coastal erosion, displacement of communities	DENR, LGUs, DILG	Mapping vulnerable areas, resettlement planning	Mangrove reforestation, coastal embankments, zoning regulations
Landslides	Buried infrastructure, casualties in upland communities	DENR-MGB, DILG, DPWH	Hazard mapping, early warnings, pre-disaster evacuation	Vegetation cover, slope protection, stricter mining regulations
Power & Communications Loss	Economic disruptions, hindered rescue/relief efforts	DOE, DICT, LGUs	Backup systems, off-grid power sources, satellite communication systems	Underground cabling, renewable microgrids, redundancy plans
Health Emergencies	Outbreaks of disease post-disaster	DOH, DSWD	Medical teams pre-positioned, health kits, mobile clinics	Sanitation education, health infrastructure in evacuation centers
Displacement & Migration	Overcrowding in evacuation centers, loss of livelihood	DSWD, LGUs, NHA	Social aid, temporary housing, reintegration programs	Community-based relocation, livelihood assistance, land use planning
Agricultural Loss	Food insecurity, price inflation	DA, NIA, LGUs	Climate-resilient farming, early harvesting, crop insurance programs	Irrigation, weather forecasting apps for farmers, seed banks
Infrastructure Collapse	Road/bridge failures, delayed aid, economic loss	DPWH, LGUs	Design for disaster-resilient infrastructure	Seismic retrofitting, flood-tolerant roads, decentralized logistics hubs

---

Conclusion

Extreme weather events will continue to be a defining challenge for the Philippines in both the short and long term. Confronting this growing threat requires not only a coordinated, whole-of-government approach but also proactive investment in climate resilience, community preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure. Government agencies must remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandates, while also enabling local communities to adapt, respond, and recover more effectively.

As we face the storms ahead—both literal and symbolic—we are reminded of the words in Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV):

"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

This verse calls us to build our nation's foundation on wisdom, preparation, and faith. If our strategies and systems are grounded in foresight, unity, and compassion, then even the fiercest storms will not shake our resilience. Through collective action, innovation, and trust in both our plans and God’s guidance, the Philippines can rise stronger, ready not only to endure but to thrive.