Pasay city: The Philippines is employing "anticipatory action" as part of its strategy to mitigate the effects of disasters, according to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros. During a press briefing for the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Cabreros highlighted this approach as a key effort in shifting from reactive to predictive disaster management.

According to Philippines News Agency, the introduction of anticipatory action aligns with Republic Act 12287, also known as the Declaration of the State of Imminent Disaster Act. This legislation empowers local governments to implement preventive measures before disasters strike. The AMCDR, scheduled from September 15 to 16 in Manila, serves as a significant event in the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairship, addressing the region's persistent exposure to disasters.

Cabreros noted that the Philippines' participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) will enhance the resilience of critical facilities. "We have to strengthen it, particularly those rendering basic services, like our hospitals, our schools, and so on. And that also includes complying with our National Building Code," Cabreros stated, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure.

The OCD chief further stressed the importance of disaster resilience not only to minimize casualties and damages but also to ensure the continuity of daily life. "So, we have to learn to adapt to it, and, of course, to also learn to prevent the occurrence of these hazards," Cabreros added.