By Mikee Natinga Norico
Key representatives from CPU, NRC, and the Iloilo City Government pose for a photo during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant partnership to advance science-based programs that enhance disaster resilience and community preparedness in Iloilo City.
Strengthening collaboration among the academe, government, and private sector, Central Philippine University (CPU), and the National Resilience Council Foundation, Inc. (NRC), and the Iloilo City Government formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 19 to advance science-backed resilience programs for local communities.
The tripartite agreement aims to enhance infrastructure resilience through collaborative efforts in research and development, training and capacity building, policy and planning support, technology and innovation, and community engagement in the Philippines.
Representing CPU in the signing of the MOU were University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Vice President for Administration Engr. Dany C. Molina. Also signing were NRC Board Member Alexander Pama, NRC Executive Director Silvestre Barrameda Jr., and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Donna Magno.
Supporting CPU’s participation in the signing were Engr. Jebie Balagosa, Ph.D., distinguished geotechnical engineer, DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist Awardee, and Associate Professor at the CPU College of Engineering; Administrative Officer Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero; Dr. Stella Guartero-Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Atty. Nestle G. Taala of the Resource Generation Committee Secretariat.
University President Rev. Dr. Dagohoy underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening disaster preparedness and response through evidence-based approaches.
“The collaboration among these three entities marks a step in the right direction because it entails the development and implementation of programs that will enhance disaster resilience through research, training, capacity building, and policy support,” he said.
Mayor Treñas highlighted resilience as a defining value of Ilonggos and expressed confidence that the partnership would further strengthen the city’s preparedness efforts.
“One of the values that Ilonggos have is resilience. This partnership will ensure that we know how to prepare and educate our people, making sure that Iloilo continues to be a safe city for all,” she said.
Under the agreement, Iloilo City will actively collaborate and coordinate with CPU and NRC in planning, implementation, and monitoring activities while providing access to relevant local data, statistics, and insights, as well as support in funding, logistics, and technical and human resources.
Barrameda emphasized that the NRC continues to promote whole-of-society public-private-people partnerships to empower local government units to achieve genuine resilience.
Through this partnership, CPU further strengthens its role as an academic institution by providing scientific expertise and research-driven solutions in support of sustainable development and resilient communities.