Pia Wurtzbach calls for improvements on disaster management, mitigation

A passionate Pia Wurtzbach faced the press at Novotel Manila on Thursday, extending her appreciation for everyone who supported her and reminding the future Binibining Pilipinas Universe titleholders to take the responsibilities of the crown seriously.

Wurtzbach's activities may not be on social media yet, but she explained, “Whenever we're not very active on social media, it's because I'm busy training with organizations to educate myself (on) HIV/AIDS. I have learned a lot.”

“I'm learning about the statistics worldwide. I'm learning about how people get tested — where do I go, how much does it cost, is it really free, are people going to find out, is my privacy going to be a problem, how about my partners — all of these things,” she said, adding, “I can guarantee that I am doing my homework. I did my homework for three years to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown, of course I am doing my homework now, especially (because) I have the whole world watching me.”

Wurtzbach has also spoken to the Miss Universe organization about another issue she wants to focus on, which is disaster management and mitigation

“I want to rebuild the places that have been hit by calamity,” she told the press.

She explained, “What happens is a storm or typhoon comes in. There are a lot of fatalities, there is a lot of damage done. Somehow, because it's all over the news, people come and help out—but it's only for a short period of time."

Wurtzbach said that there should be long-term plans for the places and people affected by calamity and while there is a lot of discussion on disaster or emergency relief, prevention should also be on the table.

"What about when there's nothing happening yet?" she asked.

She also criticized the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality behind relief operations and donations, saying, "Just because it's not in the news, it doesn't mean that we have to forget about it."

Wurtzbach is currently in the Philippines to attend the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night on April 17 (Sunday), where she will personally pass on her Binibining Pilipinas Universe title. — APG, GMA News