Linking the academe, government, and private sector for the benefit of the local community, Iloilo City formally entered into a tripartite agreement to strengthen science-backed resilience efforts.
The National Resilience Council Foundation, Inc. (NRC), Central Philippine University (CPU), and the Iloilo City Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 19, cementing a partnership for the development and implementation of programs aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience.
The initiative will be carried out through collaborative efforts in research and development, training and capacity building, policy and planning support, technology and innovation, and community engagement.
“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 will continue to be a safe city for all,” said Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, who signed the MOU on behalf of the city government and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Joining her were Engr. Dany Molona, CPU Vice President for Administration; Ernest Howard Dagohoy, CPU President; VADM. Alexander Pama, NRC Board Member; Silvestre Barrameda Jr., NRC Executive Director; and Donna Magno, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer.
“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,” said Dagohoy.
Under the agreement, Iloilo City is tasked with actively collaborating and coordinating with CPU and NRC in planning, implementation, and monitoring; providing access to relevant local data, statistics, and insights; and extending support in funding, logistics, and technical and human resources, among others.
Barrameda, meanwhile, emphasized that NRC values such partnerships as part of its thrust to empower local government units in fostering more holistic, whole-of-society public-private-people partnerships.
“We believe that under the leadership of Mayor Raisa Treñas, the city is on the path toward achieving genuine resilience. With the partnership with Central Philippine University, the academic expertise and scientific inputs they bring to the table further reinforce the city’s already strong and formidable programs, plans, and policies,” he added. (Iloilo City PIO)
