By Mikee Natinga Norico

Building a stronger, safer community: CPU and Iloilo City join forces for disaster preparedness.

Central Philippine University (CPU) took a significant step towards building a disaster-resilient campus and community by hosting a lecture-workshop last July 22, 2024, at Educational Media Center Conference Room. The event, themed “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan,” aimed to strengthen the university’s and the city’s preparedness for disasters.

The initiative was a collaborative effort between the CPU Board of Trustees, the university itself, and the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. It was part of the month-long observance of a related event, emphasizing the importance of collective action in enhancing the country’s resilience.

During the workshop, key speakers discussed various aspects of disaster risk reduction and management. Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla provided an overview of DRR-CCA concepts, while Donna Magno, Iloilo City DRRM Officer, shared the city’s disaster preparedness plans. Engr. Dany Molina, CPU Vice President for Administration, presented the university’s disaster preparedness plan.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy emphasized the importance of collective action in building resilience. “Our goal is to position CPU as a center of excellence in disaster resilience, working closely with government and private institutions for the benefit of our community and the entire nation,” he said.

The workshop concluded with a press conference and the signing of a statement of commitment. Subsequent activities, including needs assessments and planning sessions, will be conducted to solidify the partnership between CPU and the Iloilo City government.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, CPU aims to create a more resilient university and community capable of withstanding the challenges posed by natural disasters.