Stand Tall with Global Laureates: Honor the Leaders for the UN Sasakawa Award 2025

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In an era where natural disasters increasingly threaten communities worldwide, the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction stands as a beacon, recognizing and honoring those who lead the charge in fostering resilience and mitigating disaster risks. Established in 1986 by the Nippon Foundation's founding Chairman, Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa, this prestigious award celebrates individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to reducing disaster risk and advocating for resilience.

2025 Theme: Democratizing Innovation for Resilient Communities

The theme for the 2025 Sasakawa Award is "Connecting Science to People: Democratizing Access to Innovation and Technology for Disaster Resilient Communities." This focus underscores the critical importance of making scientific knowledge and technological advancements accessible to all, ensuring that communities worldwide can harness these tools to bolster their resilience against disasters.

Call for Nominations: Be Part of the Change

Nominations for the 2025 award are now open, with a submission deadline of March 28, 2025. Submissions must be made online, as hard copy applications are not accepted. Completed nomination forms should be emailed to undrrcomms@un.org. 

Celebrating Past Laureates: Champions of Resilience

Over the years, the Sasakawa Award has honored numerous remarkable individuals and organizations. Their contributions have significantly advanced disaster risk reduction and community resilience.

2022 Laureates:

Myriam Urzúa Venegas (Mexico): As the Secretary for the Secretariat of Integrated Risks Management and Civil Protection of Mexico City, Myriam has been instrumental in training programs that enhance urban and environmental management across Latin America and the Caribbean. Her initiatives provide public officials with insights into sustainable development and environmental governance. 

Rajib Shaw (Japan): A professor at Keio University, Rajib has championed multi-hazard community-based disaster risk reduction in six Asian countries. His efforts have led to the establishment of village-level community-based working groups, empowering local communities to proactively manage disaster risks. 

Glenn Suerte Felipe Banaguas (Philippines): Founder and President of the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute (ECCRI), Glenn is a renowned scientist and science diplomat. He developed the "Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service" program, which equips communities with scientific knowledge to mitigate disaster risks, focusing on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. 

2017 Laureates:

Municipality of Amadora (Portugal): Recognized for their comprehensive disaster risk management strategies, Amadora's initiatives have significantly reduced disaster mortality rates in their region. 

Organization for Development, Renovation, and Equipping Schools (DRES) (Iran): DRES has made substantial contributions towards saving lives by focusing on the safety and health of schoolchildren, ensuring educational infrastructures are resilient against natural hazards. 

Your Opportunity to Recognize Excellence

The Sasakawa Award not only acknowledges past achievements but also inspires future innovations in disaster risk reduction. By nominating individuals or organizations that embody the spirit of democratizing access to innovation and technology for disaster-resilient communities, you contribute to a global movement towards a safer and more resilient future.

Join us in celebrating and honoring those who stand tall in the face of adversity. Submit your nominations by March 28, 2025, and be part of the change we wish to see in the world.

For more information and to access the nomination form, visit the official UNDRR website. 

Together, let's connect science to people and build disaster-resilient communities worldwide.

Former President Duterte ARRESTED – The End of an Era?

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The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings during his administration's war on drugs. This development has been lauded by human rights organizations and the families of those affected, who view it as a long-awaited step towards accountability.

Background on the ICC Investigation

The International Criminal Court (ICC) initiated a preliminary examination into Duterte's anti-drug campaign in 2018, following allegations of widespread human rights abuses. Despite Duterte's 2019 decision to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC—a move perceived as an attempt to evade accountability—the court maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a signatory. The ICC's investigation focused on the systematic nature of the killings, which, according to official estimates, resulted in over 6,200 deaths, though human rights organizations suggest the toll could be as high as 30,000. 

Circumstances of the Arrest

Duterte was apprehended at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. The arrest warrant, issued by the ICC on March 7, 2025, cites crimes against humanity related to the brutal crackdown on drug-related activities during his presidency. Notably, Duterte had previously expressed a willingness to face the ICC's accusations, stating that his intent was always to promote peace. 

Domestic and International Reactions

The arrest has elicited a spectrum of responses both domestically and internationally:

Human Rights Organizations: Groups such as Human Rights Watch have hailed the arrest as a significant victory for justice, emphasizing the importance of holding leaders accountable for human rights violations. 

Political Figures: Duterte's daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, has publicly questioned the legality of the arrest, reflecting potential political tensions within the country's leadership. 

Public Sentiment: The general populace exhibits a mix of emotions, ranging from satisfaction among those advocating for justice to concern among Duterte's supporters who view the arrest as politically motivated.

Implications for the Philippines

Duterte's arrest carries profound implications for the Philippines:

Rule of Law: The arrest underscores the principle that no individual is above the law, reinforcing the country's commitment to justice and accountability.

Political Dynamics: The event could intensify political divisions, particularly between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, potentially influencing upcoming electoral processes.

International Relations: The Philippines' cooperation with the ICC may affect its diplomatic relations, especially with nations monitoring the country's human rights record.

Conclusion

The apprehension of former President Rodrigo Duterte represents a watershed moment in the Philippines' ongoing struggle with human rights and justice. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation and the international community will closely observe how this development influences the broader discourse on accountability and the rule of law.

Do You Remember? The Chilling Truth Behind the Children Killed in the War on Drugs

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In the shadowed alleys of the Philippines, a series of harrowing events unfolded, painting a grim picture of a nation grappling with the consequences of an unrelenting war on drugs. Children, the most vulnerable members of society, became unintended casualties, their stories echoing the profound tragedies that befell them.

The Tragic Fate of Aldrin Pineda

In the bustling neighborhood of Tondo, Manila, 13-year-old Aldrin Pineda was enjoying a game with his friends. The laughter and innocence of youth were abruptly silenced when a police officer's firearm discharged, striking Aldrin. The officer claimed he had tripped, causing the accidental discharge. Yet, the community was left questioning the circumstances that led to such a fatal mishap.

Unveiling the Secret Detention Facility

The same Tondo neighborhood later revealed another dark secret. On April 27, 2017, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) raided the Manila Police District Station 1 and discovered a hidden, unventilated cell behind a bookshelf. Approximately 12 individuals were detained without formal charges, some alleging extortion and torture by the police. This clandestine jail cell was not an isolated case; similar secret facilities had been uncovered previously, highlighting systemic issues within law enforcement. 

The Disappearance of Joshua Laxamana and Julius Sebastian

A trip to Baguio turned into a nightmare for two teenagers, 17-year-old Joshua Laxamana and 15-year-old Julius Sebastian. Authorities reported that Joshua was killed in a shootout after failing to stop at a checkpoint on a motorcycle—a claim his mother disputed, insisting he didn't know how to operate one. Julius's fate remains unknown, his disappearance a haunting reminder of unresolved cases.

The Caloocan Massacre

On December 28, 2016, the North Caloocan community was shattered when unidentified assailants, in search of a drug suspect, indiscriminately fired upon shanty houses. The assault claimed seven lives, including three minors and a pregnant woman. The victims were:

Angelito Soriano, 16

Jonel Segovia, 15

Sonny Espinosa, 16

Cristina Santor, 45

Ednel Santor, 22

Kenneth Lim, 20

Analyn Dayamla, 25, and her unborn child

The Killing of Francis Manosca

In Pasay, five-year-old Francis Manosca was asleep in his home when gunmen stormed in, targeting his father, whom they accused of drug involvement. Both father and son were killed, leaving a pregnant widow to mourn the loss of her husband and child.

The Brutal Murders of Jerico Garcia, Harold Bulan, and Jomari Sinerez

Three teenagers—Jerico Garcia, 16; Harold Bulan, 17; and Jomari Sinerez, 17—went missing one night, only for their bodies to be discovered the following morning with their throats slashed. A cardboard sign warned others of a similar fate, and a chilling message was sent from one victim's phone, taunting his girlfriend with his death.

The Death of Myca Ulpina

In a police operation, three-year-old Myca Ulpina was tragically killed. Authorities claimed her father used her as a human shield during a confrontation. The incident drew widespread condemnation, with a senator controversially dismissing it as an unfortunate occurrence. 

The Execution of Raymart Siapo

Nineteen-year-old Raymart Siapo, who had a physical disability, was abducted by masked men on motorcycles after a neighbor accused him of selling marijuana. Witnesses reported that his captors mocked him, ordering him to run despite his disability, before shooting him dead.

The Tragic End of Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo De Guzman

Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, and his 14-year-old friend, Reynaldo "Kulot" de Guzman, disappeared from their Cainta neighborhood. Police claimed Carl was killed in a shootout after attempting to rob a taxi driver, a narrative his family disputed due to his depressive state. Reynaldo's body was later found in a river, bearing signs of torture. 

The Plea of Kian Delos Santos

Seventeen-year-old Kian Delos Santos begged for his life, stating he had a test the next day. Despite his pleas, he was dragged to an alley and shot. Police claimed he was armed, but evidence showed he was right-handed, while the gun was found in his left hand. 

A Nation's Reckoning

These heart-wrenching stories are emblematic of the broader human rights crisis that enveloped the Philippines during the aggressive anti-drug campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. The campaign, which began in 2016, led to thousands of deaths, with estimates ranging from 6,200 to over 30,000, according to various sources. 

In a significant turn of events, on March 11, 2025, Duterte was arrested at Manila airport upon his return from Hong Kong, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to the drug war. This arrest has been hailed by human rights advocates and families of victims as a step toward justice for the countless lives lost.