MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) opened the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Innovations Gallery on October 7 at the Diamond Hotel in Malate, Manila, highlighting technologies, partnerships and innovative approaches to strengthening disaster preparedness and response across Southeast Asia.
The gallery forms part of the ASEAN High-Level Forum on the ASEAN Strategic Protocol for Emergency and Comprehensive Transformation (ASPECT) Framework, hosted by the DSWD.
DSWD Policy and Planning Group Undersecretary Adonis Sulit led the opening ceremony alongside representatives of ASEAN member states and international development partners.
The exhibition showcased innovations and technologies designed to support risk-informed decision-making, disaster preparedness, emergency response, social protection, resilient livelihoods and post-disaster recovery.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and partnerships in improving disaster risk reduction and management systems, particularly as ASEAN countries continue to face various natural hazards and climate-related challenges.
Joining Sulit during the ribbon-cutting ceremony were DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Presidential Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
Also present were Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the Socio-Cultural Community San Lwin, World Food Programme Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman, and Australian Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines Nicholas Kay.
Delegation heads from ASEAN member states also participated in the ceremony, underscoring the region’s shared commitment to strengthening disaster resilience.
The DRRM Innovations Gallery served as a platform for presenting practical solutions and collaborative initiatives that could help governments and humanitarian organizations improve disaster preparedness, deliver life-saving assistance and support affected communities.
Through the ASPECT Framework forum and the accompanying exhibition, the DSWD sought to promote stronger coordination, knowledge-sharing and innovation among ASEAN member states and development partners.
The activity reinforced the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction, social protection and sustainable recovery strategies to build more resilient communities across the region.
