The Importance of Staying Resilient–Rain or Shine

by Alex Lozada
March 4, 2025

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about what you have; it’s also about how you think!

Filipino Resilience is a trait deeply ingrained into our culture and runs synonymous to our identity as a nation whenever a natural disaster strikes the country. We all have our own stories and personal experiences of where we were when a certain calamity happened, and how we overcame it–but how sure are we that those around us are able to cope just as efficiently?

As important as it is to be physically prepared, we need to remember that staying mentally and emotionally strong during any adversity is just as significant. Pru Life UK’s commitment to fostering resilience in vulnerable communities shines brightly in a recent session held for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), aimed to equip attendees with the necessary resources to navigate through these challenges.

First things first–we’re all affected by it

As an archipelago located in the Pacific Typhoon Belt, a hotspot in the Pacific Ocean where a third of the world’s storms form, the Philippines is no stranger to extreme weather events including typhoons, floods, and droughts. In fact, we experience about 2o typhoons a year due to this. This means that at least 60% of our land and 74% of our total population suffer from the effects of such. The result? We have thousands of Filipino families in rural and farming areas who are losing their homes, livelihoods, and suffering from increased mental health concerns.

“These adversities are not just environmental issues–they are human issues,” Dr. John Jamir Benzon Aruta, Associate Professor of Psychology at De La Salle University, emphasizes. “The emotional toll of climate-induced stressors highlights the urgent need for psychological and community-based interventions.”

Those in attendance also shared their lived experiences and how it has affected their own mental well-being, highlighting their eagerness to learn more about what they can realistically do to help their own communities better combat these disasters.

“This collaboration underscores the importance of multi-sectoral efforts in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and public health,” says Abdel Jamal Disangcopan, Statutory Committees Support Service (SCSS) Director for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. “By working together, we can build policies and programs that strengthen resilience and safeguard the well-being of communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.”

Taking action and doing our part

In comes Atty. Paul Mandal, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer of Pru Life UK with concrete plans of action. “Pru Life UK actively engages with diverse stakeholders to advance its climate and health advocacy. By equipping communities with knowledge and tools, we are able to promote resilience and financial security which are key components of climate adaptation.”

For Filipinos, resilience is a must-have

The message is clear: everyone from government agencies to our next-door neighbors have a role to play in integrating mental health support within our current climate resilience efforts. “Our goal is to empower individuals and inspire collective action for a healthier, more sustainable future,” says Atty. Mandal.

As climate change continues to impact communities nationwide, initiatives like this serve as a reminder that we need to prioritize collaboration and driving meaningful action to effectively prepare ourselves and our loved ones. Now is the time to band together for a mentally resilient and environmentally-sustainable tomorrow.

For more information about Pru Life UK’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.