Celebrating Local Champions: A Look Back at the APLL4DR Awards at APMCDRR 2024
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 may have concluded, but the stories of resilience, innovation, and courage celebrated at the Asia Pacific Local Leaders Forum for Disaster Resilience (APLL4DR) Awards continue to inspire. This year, we awarded four exceptional champions whose work exemplifies the power of community-led disaster resilience.
Each of these leaders has shown us that disaster risk reduction is not just about responding to crises; it is about transforming challenges into opportunities, building inclusive solutions, and empowering communities to thrive in the face of adversity.
Meet the Champions
Maria Fe M. Maravillas
Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at 16, Maria turned her personal challenges into a mission to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines. She has championed disability-inclusive programs, livelihood training, and policies like the 1% budget allocation for PWDs in local government. Maria’s pioneering project, the Accessible Transportation Mobile Service (ATRAMS), has revolutionised how communities include PWDs in disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that no one is left behind. Watch Maria’s story here.
"Disability is not the problem, inaccessibility is. True resilience is when no one is left behind."
- Maria Fe M. Maravillas, President of the Las Pinas Persons with Disability Federation Inc, The Philippines.
Yustina Wardani
In Indonesia, Yustina has dedicated her life to bridging mental health and disaster safety in her disaster-prone village. Her innovative creation, TAKSI KENCANA, is more than just an educational park—it is a healing space where community members, including persons with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers, prepare for future disasters. By integrating mental health into disaster preparedness, Yustina is reshaping how resilience is built. Watch Yustina’s story here.
“By working together with mental health support and disaster education we can build a stronger, more resilient community."
- Yustina Wardani, Innovator, Luhur Jiwa Self Help Group, Indonesia.
Zenith Ballerta
Zenith’s work in the Philippines uplifts Indigenous Peoples through the revival of traditional knowledge. Her initiative, Lawi Fetinanaan (House of Healing), empowers Indigenous women as healers and protectors, combining herbal medicine with disaster risk reduction. Through this hub, Zenith is preserving cultural heritage while creating a space for health and safety in her community. Watch Zenith’s story here.
"Our goal is simple: to heal and protect. By combining our traditional knowledge with modern approaches, we strengthen our community and preserve our heritage."
Zenith Ballerta, President, Pandan Tri-People Women Organization, The Philippines.
VV Sajeevan
On an island village in India, Sajeevan has proven that nature-based solutions are key to disaster resilience. Leading efforts to plant 75,000 casuarina trees and conserve mangroves, he has created a green belt that protects the coastline from erosion and tsunamis. His community’s participation in the Tsunami Ready Program highlights his commitment to preparedness and education, ensuring future generations are equipped to face challenges. Watch Sajeevan’s story here.
"Our community may be small, but we have come together to create jobs, empower women, and built resilience for the future."
- VV Sajeevan, President, Village Council, Kerala (State), India.
While APMCDRR 2024 may have drawn to a close, the impact of these leaders continues to ripple across their communities and beyond. At ADRRN, we believe that celebrating their achievements is just the beginning. Their work is a call to action for all of us to support grassroots efforts, amplify local voices, and ensure that their solutions are remembered, shared, and replicated.
As we move forward, let us continue to shine a light on leaders like Maria, Yustina, Zenith, and Sajeevan. Their stories remind us that resilience is not just built in policies or plans—it is rooted in the courage, innovation, and determination of people.
Together, let’s honour these champions by spreading their messages and supporting the movements they have sparked.
What’s next?
Stay connected with ADRRN as we continue to showcase the incredible work of local leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. Their achievements are not just milestones—they are roadmaps for building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all.