Disaster risk reduction advocates hold international symposium in Metro Manila

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — According to a U.N.-backed study spanning 1995 to 2015, the Philippines has endured 247 natural calamities, making it the fourth most disaster-prone country in the world.

The government itself has a special government office tasked with tackling with disasters — the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Read: Philippines among world's most disaster-prone countries

Non-governmental organizations (NGO) are also lending a hand. The Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) Philippines will hold an international symposium and national platform launch on Thursday (March 3) in Pasay City.

A-PAD is a trans-national disaster aid alliance that works to facilitate cooperation and understanding between governments, private companies and NGOs in the Asia Pacific region.

The gathering will be attended by disaster risk reduction advocates from Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. It aims to enhance the collaboration and cooperation of private sector, civil society and government partnership for disaster resilience.

Guest speakers include Sen. Loren Legarda, NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and Makoto Iyori, Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan.

The event is spearheaded by A-PAD's local member organizations Citizens' Disaster Response Center and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.