Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte called on Wednesday for more proactive steps to prepare for disasters as Filipinos commemorate Typhoon Yolanda, which struck Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country 10 years ago.

In a video message, Duterte said this 10th year commemoration is an important reminder of disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, and disaster preparedness.

“By investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and education on disaster preparedness, we can safeguard our communities and mitigate the impact of future calamities,” she said.

“Today, as we remember the lives lost. Let us unite in solidarity and recommit ourselves to creating a safer, more resilient future defined by sustainable development. Together, we can build communities that are better prepared to face the challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change,” she added.

Duterte also honored those whose lives were taken by the typhoon and acknowledged the first responders, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who worked hard to provide aid and support to the Yolanda victims.

To stay environment-friendly and learn from the lessons of the past, she asked the public to support the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) “PagbaBAGo: A Million Trees” project that is eyeing to plant a million trees by 2028.

In partnership with the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Education, as well as private organizations, the OVP implements the project in support of the government’s National Greening Program. (PNA)