REGIONAL CHAMPION OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION IN ASIA PACIFIC: Senator Loren Legarda emphasizes that reducing disaster risks is a moral imperative, a social responsibility as she commences role as the Regional Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction is an honorary title bestowed by UNISDR on a person of integrity who embodies its mission and ideals in advocating for disaster risk reduction. The appointment was conferred by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) during the 3rd Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held on December 2, 2008 at the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.