The Climate Change Commission (CCC) held the Second National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) forum with the theme, “Strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and Services” on December 5 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. This forum was designed to foster exchange of knowledge on strengthening multi-hazard early warning system (MHEWS) and initiate discussions towards improving the implementation of innovative solutions to address climate change.

“Knowing and understanding disaster risk and how climate change magnifies this risk is key to the effective reduction of loss and damage resulting from the impacts of natural hazards,” Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman said.

This forum is part of a series of Experts’ Forums which is envisioned to communicate vital information, observations, recommendations, and best practices with various partner organizations until the end of 2017.

The keynote address was delivered by the president of the National Resilience Council (NRC), Ms. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga followed by a presentation entitled Moving Towards Multi-Hazard Impact-based Forecasting and Warning by Dr. Leoncio Amadore of the NPTE.

Presentations on climate change projection and effective reduction of loss and damage resulting from the impacts of natural hazards were also conducted.

This forum emphasized the value of science in informing policy and practice in the context of CCAM-DRR towards resilient communities and sustainable development.

“This is the spirit that inspires our gathering today. Our forum aims to foster exchange of knowledge on strengthening multi-hazard early warning systems and initiate discussions towards improving the implementation of innovative solutions to address climate change and to manage disaster risks,” Sec. de Guzman added.

A highlight of the event was the signing of the Pledge of Partnership for Resilience between the CCC and NRC.