PHILIPPINES — The Philippines has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, becoming its 71st member nation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the milestone on Saturday, calling it a significant step toward protecting Filipino communities from climate and disaster risks.
A Global Partnership for Resilience
The welcome letter was formally turned over by CDRI Director-General Amit Prothi during a meeting with the President on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The Philippines is now the second Southeast Asian nation to join the coalition, following Vietnam's earlier membership.
President Marcos emphasized that the Filipino spirit of bayanihan remains the country's greatest strength. However, he stressed that resilience must also be built into the roads, bridges, communication systems, and public buildings that citizens depend on every day.
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, who joined Marcos during the meeting, said membership would allow the Philippines to benefit from the experiences and best practices of other member countries. He added that the country could also access financing for projects designed to strengthen infrastructure against climate and disaster risks.
Access to Expertise and Financing
CDRI Director-General Amit Prothi welcomed the Philippines' inclusion, expressing enthusiasm for working with Philippine institutions on disaster-resilient infrastructure. He said he was very happy that the country decided to join the coalition and looked forward to close collaboration.
Through its membership, the Philippines will gain opportunities to access global expertise, innovative solutions, and capacity-building initiatives. The country will likewise contribute its experience in disaster risk management, preparedness, response, and resilient recovery. This two-way exchange strengthens both the Philippines and the broader coalition.
Gomez stressed that investing in resilient infrastructure before disasters strike is more cost-effective than spending heavily on reconstruction and recovery after calamities. He described the membership as a very big thing for the Philippines, underscoring the long-term economic benefits of proactive planning.
Aligning with National Development Plans
The Philippines' membership forms part of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership. It also supports key national frameworks including the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the National Adaptation Plan 2023-2050, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2020-2030.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has been designated to represent the Philippines in the coalition. Also present during the meeting were Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio.
India launched the CDRI in 2019 as a voluntary and non-binding global partnership focused on strengthening infrastructure against disasters and climate change. The coalition seeks to drive USD10 trillion in new and existing investments through enhanced capacity, informed policy, planning, and management.
A Coalition Backed by Global Powers
The multi-stakeholder platform is supported by voluntary contributions from member countries and organizations. Major backers include the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, and the World Bank. Their combined resources and expertise create a powerful network for change.
The coalition aims to improve environmental quality, livelihoods, and overall well-being for over three billion people worldwide. For the Philippines, this membership represents a commitment to building a safer, more resilient future. The coalition's resources and networks will help ensure that critical infrastructure can withstand the increasingly severe natural disasters that threaten the archipelago.
