The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the University of the Philippines (UP) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding that will enhance the country’s disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capacity-building initiatives, along with science and research-based endeavors.
Both. organizations will collaborate on various areas: from training and educational activities, the establishment of a learning center, peer review of existing frameworks, policies, programs, and platforms on Climate Change Adaptation-Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA-DRR) in the country, science-based development plans, and other collaborative activities.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, and UP President Angelo Azura Jimenez, along with other officials from UP and OCD serving as witnesses.
In his message, Usec. Nepomuceno emphasized that the partnership with UP is a key part of the OCD’s strategic direction to boost the agency’s and stakeholders’ preparedness and response capabilities.
He expressed gratitude to the University for the scientific insights and expert inputs that it will provide for the enhancement and development of DRRM plans and preparedness initiatives.
“We need the help of UP in providing us with scientific bases and inputs from scientists and experts that will be integrated into our plans and preparedness initiatives. We thank the university for helping us advance our mission,” Nepomuceno said.
Meanwhile, President Jimenez highlighted UP’s commitment to supporting the OCD as a research and expertise provider and described the OCD as the “implementer.”
He emphasized the effective collaboration between research and implementation to achieve the goals.
“Both [research and implementer] cannot work effectively without each other,” he said.
Climate Change Commission (CCC) Secretary Robert Borje also attended the event and expressed full support for the partnership, highlighting the vital role of science and data in implementing CCC-DRR initiatives.
Additionally, Usec. Nepomuceno raised concerns surrounding the alarming threat of “The Big One,” which could claim thousands of lives.
He pointed out the gaps, limitations, and challenges that must be addressed through collaborative efforts.
The signing took place on Tuesday at the UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City.
