Iloilo City and the University of San Agustin formalized a strengthened partnership on disaster preparedness and response with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, August 26, at the City Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Raisa Treñas and Rev. Fr. Arnel Dizon, OSA, University President, signed the agreement to institutionalize collaboration between the city government and the university in building community resilience against hazards and disasters.
Joining the signing were Dr. Sherwin Sepe, Head of the University’s Sustainability & Resilience Management Office, and Donna Magno, Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer.
Mayor Treñas described the partnership as timely, citing joint initiatives during National Disaster Resilience Month such as the city’s first disaster risk reduction (DRR) alphabet for early childhood learners, and the Kabalaka Expo and Camp, where student volunteers from the university served as facilitators. The city mayor also announced plans to expand the expo into a regional event next year.
“With this formal signing of our MOA with the City Government of Iloilo, we signify our strong commitment to building resilient communities and institutions. We now formally extend our participation in disaster‑related initiatives of the City Government of Iloilo,” said Rev. Fr. Dizon.
Under the MOU, both parties will collaborate on producing child-focused educational materials, scaling volunteer training, and conducting joint preparedness activities. The agreement also supports the city’s shift toward a resilience-centered framework through the Iloilo City Action and Resilience Center.
