The College of Management organized an event entitled “Global Forum on Iloilo Disaster Resiliency: The Role of Diaspora in Building Back Safer Communities” on February 4, 2022, via Zoom.
The College hosted the forum in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, USA, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Golden Gate University.
The event officially opened with welcome messages from UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, and Chelsea Cooper, Project Assistant at IOM Washington.
The forum provided insights on disaster resiliency drawn from empirical data and shared experiences. The topics covered span all the major phases of emergency management—from disaster preparedness and response to post-disaster assessment and recovery.
Consul General Neil Ferrer from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco delivered his keynote lecture titled “The Role of US Diaspora in the Prevention and Preparation for Climate Change Disasters.”
The discussion on disaster management and related issues had three panelists who gave short presentations: “Update on Super Typhoon Odette, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Assessment – Iloilo City and Guimaras” by Ms. Donna Magno, Chief of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction Office and Teresita Galleto-Siason, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer at Guimaras PDRRMO; “IOM Philippines: Build Back Safer (BBS)” by Mr. Conrad Natividad Jr. and Mr. Red Atenor of IOM Philippines; and “LifeBank Iloilo: BBS Financing” by Mr. Alner Camocon, Division Manager at LifeBank Microfinance Foundation Inc.
The presentations centered on the innovative approaches to disaster preparedness, post-disaster recovery, and building community resiliency. The presenters also highlighted the importance of ‘shared responsibilities’ between governments, private institutions, and local communities in addressing the gaps in disaster management. They focused on how a holistic, multi-sectoral, and multidisciplinary approach is vital for implementing emerging long-term strategies.
Prof. Jay Gonzales of Golden Gate University, San Francisco, USA, moderated the panel discussions, while Prof. Ramil Atando of the UPV Urban Development Learning Program, EnP. Claire de Lune Villanueva of the National Housing Authority and Mr. Gabby Moraleda of the Pilipino Senior Center USA gave their reactions and insights on the presentations.
Prof. Christopher Honorario, Dean of College of Management, delivered a short synthesis and closing message. He highlighted the key points from the presentations and thanked the speakers, representatives from partner organizations, participants, and the committee members for the support given to the forum.
Prof. Honorario expressed hopes that the forum will create new beginnings and set the platform for more collaborative efforts and joint undertakings between the College of Management and the partner organizations in the areas of disaster management, recovery, and resiliency.
