25 Years

of Empowering Communities: Strengthening Resilience, Together

As we celebrate 25 years, we reflect on a journey powered by the strength and determination of communities. For two and a half decades, the Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation (CDP) has stood with people taking charge of their own safety and resilience, forging paths toward disaster risk reduction and management.

Our work is rooted in collaboration, learning, and trust. Together with local leaders, organizations, and advocates, we've ensured that the voices and needs of those most impacted guide the way forward, creating solutions that are as unique as the communities we serve.

This anniversary is not just a milestone for us—it's a tribute to every partnership, every lesson, and every action that has left a meaningful mark. It’s about honoring the spirit of community-led change that continues to shape a future where resilience and preparedness are within everyone’s reach.

Join us in reflecting on the impact we’ve made together and the path we continue to build—a future where every community is ready, resilient, and thriving.

Milestones

CDP at Forefront of Enhancing Capacity in CBDRRM Through the Years

CDP’s journey began with a focus on training and capacity development, which has been at the heart of its success in promoting Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) across the Philippines and beyond. Since its establishment in 1999, CDP has shared critical frameworks, tools, and best practices that have empowered communities, organizations, and government institutions to adopt proactive disaster risk reduction measures.

Starting as an offshoot of the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), CDP became a pioneering force in CBDRM, advancing the evolution of disaster response to risk management and later incorporating climate change adaptation into its approach (CB-CDRRM). Training became CDP’s core competency, helping not only to spread knowledge but also sustain its operations through partnerships with NGOs, local governments, and international agencies.

By fostering inclusive, learner-centered approaches, CDP has cultivated champions of disaster preparedness at various levels—government personnel, community leaders, and civil society actors—who are now leaders in their own right. Over the years, CDP expanded its reach beyond training, venturing into project implementation, research, and advocacy, while adapting to the evolving landscape of disaster management.

Through decades of innovation, partnership, and community engagement, CDP has been instrumental in shaping the discourse and practice of CBDRM, contributing to policies like RA 10121 and the national disaster management framework. Its commitment to inclusive and resilient community-based systems has left an indelible mark on disaster risk management in the Philippines and globally.

Linking Arms with DRRM Advocates Toward a
Resilient Philippines: PD1566 to RA 10121

Over its 25-year journey, CDP has been a driving force behind the promotion and advocacy of Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM), empowering communities to become active agents in disaster risk reduction. Recognizing that building a disaster-resilient country requires organized, empowered communities, CDP worked to shift the paradigm from reactive emergency management to proactive disaster risk reduction, advocating for the involvement of communities in disaster prevention, mitigation, and management.

In 2002, CDP initiated a series of pivotal activities that united major disaster management actors in the Philippines, leading to the formation of the Philippine Disaster Management Forum (PDMF). Through the PDMF and its successor, the Disaster Risk Reduction Network-Philippines (DRRNet-Phils), CDP led advocacy efforts to push for a progressive legislative framework that emphasized disaster risk reduction over mere disaster response. This culminated in the passage of RA 10121 in 2010, a landmark law that transformed disaster management in the country by enshrining the importance of people’s participation, proactive disaster management, and addressing the root causes of vulnerability.

CDP’s advocacy not only resulted in the passage of RA 10121 but also cemented its role as a key civil society actor in the country’s disaster risk governance. CDP became a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), representing civil society and advocating for community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) at both national and local levels.

Despite the many gains, CDP faces ongoing challenges as it continues to push for inclusive disaster risk governance, including threats to democratic participation and the need for sustained advocacy and network building. However, CDP remains steadfast, promoting the importance of community-based approaches, rights-based advocacy, and inclusive participation to ensure a disaster-resilient Philippines.

Mainstreaming CBDRRM through Research, Publication, and Advocacy

Since its establishment in 1999, the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) has passionately promoted Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) as an effective approach to reducing disaster risks. Building on the Citizenry-Based Development-Oriented Disaster Response (CBDO-DR) from the CDRC/CDRN, CDP has influenced communities, governments, and international agencies to adopt CBDRM frameworks and practices.

CDP’s efforts to promote CBDRM include training, research, advocacy, and networking. The organization’s early research focused on participatory processes integral to CBDRM, resulting in key publications like the 4K Training Manual in Filipino and contributions to global platforms such as the ProVention Consortium and the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). CDP’s work has been featured in numerous reports and publications, and the organization has played a leading role in scaling up CBDRM in the Philippines and beyond.

In addition to its research and advocacy, CDP has been involved in various humanitarian response efforts, including psychosocial support services and disaster recovery programs. Notably, the organization has worked in partnership with international agencies like Oxfam, Christian Aid, and Save the Children, implementing projects that support community-led disaster response and resilience building.

CDP continues to play an active role in advocating for community-based approaches to disaster management, both locally and internationally. Through initiatives like "Views from the Frontline" and Action at the Frontline, the organization empowers at-risk communities to lead in disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts. CDP’s commitment to inclusive and rights-based humanitarian response remains central to its mission.

An Exciting Journey in Building Partnerships

For 25 years, the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) Foundation has forged impactful partnerships across various levels, from local communities to global networks. These collaborations have been essential in promoting Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM), empowering communities to take the lead in disaster preparedness and response.

Partnerships with communities and duty-bearers have bridged the gap between local governments and grassroots organizations, fostering shared goals of building resilient, disaster-ready societies. As a pioneer in CBDRRM, CDP’s collaborative efforts have strengthened knowledge-sharing, expanded technical expertise, and contributed to the development of policies such as the disaster risk reduction law in the Philippines.

Engaging in partnerships has amplified CDP’s reach and efficiency, allowing the organization to share costs, avoid duplication of efforts, and innovate in tackling disaster risk. These collaborations have also led to professional growth, greater organizational credibility, and the creation of community-led solutions for disaster management.