MAKATI (June 5, 2014-MPF
News) --- The Campaign for Land Use Policy Now (CLUP Now) and the Philippine
Business for Social Progress (PBSP) partnered to call on the business sector
and government agencies to observe proper land use planning standards in the
efforts of rebuilding Yolanda-stricken areas.
In a conference held at
Makati Shangri-La Hotel today, businessmen gathered to discuss issues on land
use planning, aiming to provide a long-term solution to the impacts of
disasters, especially those affecting business.
“The role played by the
business sector is crucial not only to the economy of the country but also more
importantly to the improvement in the lives of the community that will result
from economic progress. Typhoon Yolanda exposed the vulnerabilities of our
economy and our businesses to climate disasters. I believe we could mitigate
business risks brought about by climate change if we have better land use
planning and enforcement,” said Rafael Lopa, executive director of PBSP.
The conference highlighted
the current rebuilding and community development in Yolanda affected
communities, and how to create an enabling environment to put in place better
land use planning in the devastated areas.
“Our business sector,
especially those in the small and medium enterprises, need to be informed on
how proper land use can create a positive impact to their businesses. As
businesses are located in geo-hazard and flood-prone areas, operations of these
businesses are not always secure” said Anthony Marzan, convenor of CLUP Now.
The conference was called
seven months after Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) wreaked havoc in
the country. Estimates from the National Risk Reduction Management Council
(NDRRMC) said it left a total of Php 89.6 billio worth of damages, of which Php
9.6 billion affected infrastructure and Php 21.8 billion pertained to
production losses.
CLUP Now has been
campaigning for the passage of the National Land Use Act (NLUA). At present,
the bill has just passed the third reading in the Lower House last June 2 with
194 affirmative votes.
The conference was graced
by Sec. Panfilo Lacson, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Rehabilitation
and Recovery (OPARR), NLUA co-author and Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat,
Jr. and Mayor Sandy Javier of Javier, Leyte.
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