By: Rafaela Jane Delfino

“Coordination, Coordination, Coordination!” – a challenge and a must in post-disaster recovery efforts, says most of the speakers at the recently concluded Regional Knowledge Sharing Forum on Post-Disaster Recovery hosted and organized by the Asian Development Bank last 20-21 October 2015.

The speakers were mostly from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and the US who shared their experiences dealing with major disasters: Haiyan, Indian Ocean Tsunami (Banda Aceh), Bangkok floods and Hurricane Katrina and Sandy, respectively. The sessions revolved around these themes: (1) Post Disaster Needs Assessment and Planning; (2) Implementation; (3) Monitoring; and (4) Communities at the heart of post-disaster recovery.

Key points discussed in the forum include: (1) Coordination — having a common platform and ensuring that the right mix of interventions goes to the right areas and communities at the right time; (2) Inclusiveness — engaging people and communities in the entire process; (3) Institutions — investing and involving existing local organizations; (4) Simple, flexible interventions — better facilitates ownership of local communities.

The Center participated along with representatives from international organizations, national agencies, and civil society groups in the two-day event. The Center conducted activities contributing to the rehabilitation and recovery efforts after Typhoon Haiyan, including: the Experts Forum and a Special Project on Evidence-based Rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected Areas. The Center continues its efforts in Haiyan-affected communities in Leyte under its Resilience Agenda.