ILOILO City – Bringing together health experts, disaster managers, and community leaders in a two-day regional summit aimed at shifting disaster strategy from emergency response to long-term resilience, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 is stepping up efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
The Western Visayas Health Resilience and Readiness Summit 2026, held from July 14 to 15 as part of the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, highlighted innovative approaches to public health preparedness, climate adaptation, artificial intelligence (AI), and inclusive disaster planning amid the increasing frequency of natural disasters affecting the Philippines.
Carrying the theme, “Naghahanda at Kumikilos Tungo sa Panatag na Bagong Pilipinas,” the summit sought to equip communities with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to address the growing risks posed by climate change and other emergencies.
Among the featured resource speakers was internationally recognized public health specialist Dr. Arturo Pesigan, former World Health Organization representative to Yemen, who is leading discussions on community protection, climate change and heat-health preparedness, and public health foresight.
Pesigan’s sessions emphasize the need to move beyond traditional disaster response by strengthening community resilience, improving preparedness for heat-related emergencies, and promoting anticipatory public health strategies through the proposed establishment of a Public Health Foresight Laboratory.
The summit also featured discussions on earthquake resilience led by Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta. Lucia, who underscores the importance of rapid recovery systems and the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Another session focused on developing autism-friendly evacuation centers to ensure emergency facilities are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of persons with autism and their caregivers.
Artificial intelligence also took center stage, with Dr. Dave Gamboa discussing how AI can improve disaster response and emergency health management, while Dr. Mary Jane Juanico-Esteva explained how emerging technologies can strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and epidemiological decision-making.
Community preparedness was likewise highlighted through a presentation by Office of Civil Defense-6 official Cindy Ferrer, who discussed household emergency planning and effective risk communication, while Dr. April Llaneta emphasized inclusive disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Meanwhile, Engr. Rodolfo Mendoza outlined the implementation and accomplishments of the Green and Safe Health Facilities Program, while Dr. Florence Audrey Mamon-Pestaño presented the progress of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Health integration into local health systems in Western Visayas.
DOH-6 said the summit was designed to transform how communities prepare for disasters by institutionalizing resilient health systems and proactive disaster planning.
“Readiness is not built during disasters; it is built before they occur. Together, let’s choose transformation and build a healthier, climate-resilient Western Visayas,” the agency said in a post./PN
