Message from the Secretary

The Philippines remains one of the most disaster–prone countries in the world, consistently ranking first in the World Risk Index for the 16th consecutive year, with a risk score of 46.91. This ranking underscores the country’s high exposure to natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes, and its ongoing challenges in disaster preparedness, response, and adaptive capacity. Likewise, Germanwatch’s Climate Risk Index 2025 ranks the Philippines 10th among the countries most affected by extreme weather events over the past 30 years. Between 1993 and 2022, the country experienced 372 such events, resulting in approximately USD 34 billion in economic losses and thousands of fatalities. Among the most devastating was Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, which caused an estimated USD 13 billion in damages and claimed over 7,000 lives. 

Further highlighting the country’s vulnerability, Statista’s Natural Disaster Risk Index 2024 reports that the Philippines faces significant seismic and oceanic threats, with earthquakes registering a risk index of 9.7 out of 10, and tsunamis rated at 9.4. These statistics emphasize the country’s persistent exposure to extreme events and the urgent need for strengthened disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies. 

The Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) provides an effective methodology for assessing the risks associated with climate change and natural hazards at the local level. Recognizing its significance, several national government agencies (NGAs) have adopted the CDRA as a core input for risk–informed planning processes, including the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (eLCCAP), the Enhanced Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (eLDRRMP), and other sectoral plans. To improve its effectiveness and ensure continued relevance, the CDRA methodology has been enhanced to align with updated international frameworks, national policies, and best practices from local government units (LGUs).

These improvements aim to better support local planning processes, enable communities to build resilience, and equip them to respond more effectively to the growing risks posed by climate change and natural disasters. 

These efforts are firmly anchored in the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) mission, not just to build affordable housing, but to create livable and disaster–resilient communities where Filipino families can thrive and grow. 

ENGR. JOSE RAMON “PING” P. ALILING

Secretary