THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has partnered with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) ‘to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate adaptation and institutional resilience’ across the archipelago.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, establishes a framework for cooperation on information exchange, hazard monitoring, capacity development and coordination between the two organizations.
The ADB didn’t disclose the value of the agreement.
A statement by the Manila-based multilateral lender read that the collaboration with the private sector group is intended to improve ‘institutional readiness’ ahead of the typhoon season while strengthening long-term response capabilities for future emergencies.
ADB Vice President for Administration and Corporate Management HK Yu expects the partnership would reinforce the bank’s business continuity and organizational resilience while deepening cooperation with the private sector.
‘Our partnership is an important step in strengthening ADB’s business continuity and organizational resilience. It also reflects ADB’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to advance preparedness, coordination, and long-term resilience amid growing risks,’ Yu said.
The agreement comes as the Philippines remains among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, facing frequent typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and other natural hazards that disrupt economic activity and affect communities across the country.
Just last week, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) attributed the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi) to the death of 26 persons from six regions, up from 22 on July 14.
The ADB has continued to expand its support for the country’s disaster resilience efforts through financing and policy reforms. In 2025, the multilateral lender approved a $500-million policy-based loan that provides the Philippines with quick access to financing following disasters triggered by natural hazards or health-related emergencies.
The financing also supports reforms aimed at strengthening disaster resilience and enabling faster response and recovery efforts to minimize the impact of disasters on the economy as well as on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.
For its part, PDRF said the partnership brings together a multilateral development institution and a private sector disaster resilience organization to strengthen preparedness and response efforts through institutional cooperation.
‘We are going to achieve great things together and blaze a new trial for others to follow,’ PDRF President Rene S. Meily was quoted as saying in a statement.
According to ADB and the 17-year-old PDRF, the partnership seeks to strengthen institutional and operational linkages that support disaster resilience, improve climate adaptation, and promote private sector participation in preparedness efforts.
The collaboration is expected to contribute to broader resilience initiatives across the Asean region by leveraging the organizations’ respective networks and expertise, the statement read.