Pinoy scientist bags UN award for disaster risk reduction work

A Filipino scientist has been awarded with the United Nations’ Sasakawa Award for his contribution in disaster risk reduction, the Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN said Thursday.

Out of the 200 nominations worldwide, the award was conferred to Glenn S. Banaguas, who leads the Climate Smart Philippines program that tackles and prevents risks and damage from climate change.

Banaguas received the award in a ceremony in Bali, Indonesia.

“I extend my thanks and gratitude to the organizers of the UN Sasakawa Award for recognizing Climate Smart Philippines’ efforts to empower people from all walks of life to develop evidence-based, humane, and gender-responsive solutions,” he said.

Banaguas pioneered the Climate Smart Philippines under his leadership at the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute in 2010.

The program gathers scientific experts and stakeholders to discuss disaster risks and prevent potential damage and losses that threaten the Philippines from climate change and other hazards.

According to the Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN, this is the first time that a lone Filipino has won in the award’s 35-year history.

Meanwhile, Save the Children - Philippines won the award in the Organization category.

Previous Philippine honorees include the City of San Francisco in 2011 and the ESCAP/Typhoon Committee in 1988. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News