The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna, recently launched the Area-Wide Business Continuity Management (AWBCM) for Key Industries and Lifeline Utilities Project. It aims to make the business community resilient by developing a harmonized framework for the continuity of operations of different stakeholders.
The province of Laguna in Region IV-A is the selected target pilot site for this project because of its several economic zones, ranging from industrial zones to technological parks. With its proximity to Taal Volcano and several active fault lines, these economic zones have high exposure to hazards that may affect the supply chain and employees.
The PDRF network is also present in the province with several Ayala properties and lifeline utilities such as Meralco, First Gen, Smart Communications, and Globe Telecom.
Traditionally, businesses and organizations focus on their individual BCM efforts. While this approach is essential, it often falls short when disasters strike on a larger scale, affecting an entire area or community. AWBCM, as a game-changer, focuses on the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Practice sector with the components of Capacity Building and Training and Policy and Practice.
Moreover, AWBCM will enable better risk assessment and mitigation strategies because it considers the interdependencies and interconnectedness among various businesses and sectors within an area. It will also promote effective planning among different organizations in Laguna, enhancing the ability of enterprises to recover quickly after a disaster. Lastly, it will foster a culture of preparedness, equipping businesses and communities with tools and knowledge to move forward from disruptions.
“We must adopt a proactive and collective strategy to strengthen our resilience and minimize the impact of these inevitable disruptive events. That’s why the Area-wide Business Continuity Management Program is so important. It aims to upgrade the preparedness of the key public and private industries and lifeline utilities, including economic zones, through the synergy of capacities,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.
During the event, project partners and stakeholders expressed their support and commitment to the project.
“The establishment of a strategic and sustainable partnership between the public and private sectors through the creation of an area-wide business continuity management system is an exciting and essential step forward in ensuring a more harmonized and holistic approach to disaster management,” said USAID Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks.
In a Keynote message, Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, through his representative Provincial Administrator Atty. Dulce Rebanal said the Provincial Government of Laguna will continue to “find a way forward and cooperate to build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”
“May this project launch be a start of a strong partnership between PDRF, USAID, the local government units, and the private sector,” she added.
PDRF calls on its partners and stakeholders, especially those in Laguna, to support the project and address its current challenges, including resource limitations, varying levels of preparedness among organizations, and more effective coordination and collaboration mechanisms.