Local Leadership in Disaster Management: The Philippine Setting

Leadership approach can be a crucial factor for climate change adaptation/disaster risk reduction (CCA/DRR). Perhaps, leadership failed during the recent disaster that hit southern Mindanao early in December 2012. Many were killed, injured, gone missing. The "star paper" of Mr. Emil Rex Santos, a master's degree student of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), may offer explanations and provide guideposts for local leaders in CCA/DRR.

Title: "Local Leadership in Disaster Management: The Philippine Setting"

Abstract:

The Philippines, situated in a disaster-prone region and in a highly seismic area along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is visited by at least 20 typhoons a year, and home to 300 volcanoes, 22 of which are active which necessitates the need or adoption of a disaster risk reduction management plan.  Such a plan entails action not just by national leaders, but more importantly by local actors.  The author proposes the utilization of a Disaster Management Cycle that incorporates leadership types that were culled from case studies in the Philippine setting.  He suggests that specific leadership types (i.e. strategic, charismatic, transformational, collaborative, emergent, situational and meta-leadership) be considered in the various phases of a holistic disaster management program at the local level.

To read the paper, e-mail the author at rexsantos95@yahoo.com for a copy or visit the library of UP-NCPAG. 

COP18 Extends the "Life" of Kyoto Protocol

Congratulations to the UNFCCC for the agreements (see PDF copy here) made to renew the life of the Kyoto Protocol. Many will malign your accomplishment, but, it is important to know that there is no perfect international treaty because there will be winners and losers. The road is still long and winding, hence, the UNFCCC and member-countries should keep the lines of communication open, and be open for ideas for improvement.

Philippine Climate Change Negotiator Sheds Tears for Typhoon Victims

"An important backdrop for my delegation is the profound impacts of climate change that we are already confronting. As we sit here, every single hour, even as we vacillate and procrastinate here, the death toll is rising. There is massive and widespread devastation. Hundreds of thousands of people have been rendered without homes. And the ordeal is far from over, as Typhoon Bopha has regained some strength as it approaches another populated area in the western part of the Philippines. Madam Chair, we have never had a typhoon like Bopha, which has wreaked havoc in a part of the country that has never seen a storm like this in half a century. And heartbreaking tragedies like this is not unique to the Philippines, because the whole world, especially developing countries struggling to address poverty and achieve social and human development, confront these same realities.
Finally, Madam Chair, I speak on behalf of 100 million Filipinos, a quarter of a million of whom are eking out a living working here in Qatar. And I am making an urgent appeal, not as a negotiator, not as a leader of my delegation, but as a Filipino.
I appeal to the whole world, I appeal to leaders from all over the world, to open our eyes to the stark reality that we face. I appeal to ministers. The outcome of our work is not about what our political masters want. It is about what is demanded of us by 7 billion people.
I appeal to all, please, no more delays, no more excuses. Please, let Doha be remembered as the place where we found the political will to turn things around. Please, let 2012 be remembered as the year the world found the courage to find the will to take responsibility for the future we want.
I ask of all of us here, if not us, then who ? If not now, then when ? If not here, then where ?"

Philippine Climate Change Commission at COP18 in Doha, Qatar

Despite being a non-emitter, we are ready to do our share- Sec. @lucille_sering #COP18