Science-backed action is imperative in addressing evolving climate threats.
This was the central guidance at the Scientific Forum in Iloilo City: Navigating Challenges of the New Normal, as key stakeholders gathered at Park Inn by Radisson, Mandurriao on September 28, 2026. The forum aims to advance climate and disaster risk reduction by grounding local policies in evidence-based solutions.
As the realities of the “new normal,” characterized by extreme heat, severe rainfall, and cascading weather anomalies, continue to impact local communities, the event serves to elevate awareness on emerging climate impact drivers, enable proactive decision-making to minimize residual damages, and co-create innovative, multi-sectoral resilience pathways through Project TRANSFORM.
Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized the practical value of foresight, sharing her personal experience during the onslaught of Typhoon Frank in 2008 and now her efforts in leading relief operations whenever extreme weather threatens the metropolis. She also underscored the lasting impact of foundational infrastructure investments, particularly the Jaro floodway development and comprehensive river rehabilitation initiated during the administration of former Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Mayor Raisa highlighted the essence of proactive risk reduction, stating, “If we know what we are expecting, we can be prepared. Understand risks, anticipate impacts, and make decisions that protect lives before danger reaches our communities.” She added, “Science gives us knowledge to understand risks. But it is our responsibility to turn that knowledge into action.”
The forum drew participation from various city government departments, uniformed personnel, media partners, academic institutions, and community volunteer groups.
This forms part of the overarching KABALAKA Program (Kahublagan sa Barangay para sa Lapnagon nga Kahandaan sa Kalamidad), the flagship disaster risk reduction and management framework of the Iloilo City Government executed through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Distinguished Speakers and Topics:
• Rev. Fr. Jett Villarin (Executive Director, Manila Observatory)
Topic: Climate and Non-Climate Impact Drivers We Need to Be Concerned About
• Dr. Rosa T. Perez (Senior Research Fellow, Manila Observatory)
Topic 1: Understand Climate Extremes, Projections, Scenarios and Downscaled Climate Information for Philippines/Iloilo City
Topic 2: Socio-Economic Considerations for Iloilo City in Addressing the Compound and Cascading Risks in the New Normal
• Dr. Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo (Co-developer, Marine Heatwave Tracker, UP MSI)
Topic: Dynamics of Marine Heat Wave and Its Impact on Iloilo City
• Alfredo Quiblat Jr. (Weather Services Chief, Visayas PRSD)
Topic: Evolving Hazards for Coastal Cities Included in the Compendium of Philippine Environment Statistics
• Dr. Fernando Siringan (Research Professor, Marine Science Institute)
Topic: Role of Iloilo’s Geological and Geographic, and Coastal and Marine Features in Its Exposure to Climate and Non-Climate Impact Drivers
• Dr. Gay Defiesta & Dr. Hanny John Mediodia (Professors, University of the Philippines Visayas)
Topic: Risk Considerations Across the Value Chain for a Coastal City
• Dr. Emma Porio (Professor Emeritus, Ateneo de Manila University)
Topic: Insights on Intersectional Resilience Pathways for Coastal Cities
• Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla (Resilience Fellow, National Resilience Council)
Moderator
(Photo by J. Muñoz & A. Ballarta/Iloilo City PIO)
