By: Carlo Carlos

The OML Center participated in the “Partnerships for Disaster and Climate Resilience” held last 9-10 July 2014 at the Manila Polo Club, Makati City. The conference convened stakeholders of various sectors with the aim of building disaster and climate resilience in their respective operations. Specifically, the objectives or the conference are: 1.) develop a common understanding of resilience, 2.) learn from best practices to inform efforts at developing the absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacities to build resilience, 3.) identify new and innovative approaches and solutions to building resilience in the different sectors, 4.) enlist the support of media to highlight the importance of building resilience and, 5.) develop follow-up activities over the next three years in integrating resilience. The conference was organized by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation, the Manila Observatory and Zuellig Family foundation.

The first session of the program highlighted the best practices in resilience showcasing successful experiences both local and abroad. The second session tackled the importance of resilience and why it should be applied in the day-to-day business operations. OML Center Chairman Federico R. Lopez presented “Business Continuity in the Face of natural Disasters” showcasing the experiences of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) on the onset of supertyphoon Yolanda. Finally, the third session discussed the challenges and opportunities for partnerships in building resilience in key sectors.

With the guiding principle of promoting science for sustainable communities, the OML Center continuously support endeavors such as this conference.