UPRI Research and Creative Work division Director Glecy C. Atienza, Ph.D., presented a talk entitled “Mamugnaon: Advocating Platforms of Communication for Community-Led Resilience” in Cebu on September 13, 2024. It was conducted as part of DevTalks, a learning session aimed at sharing and deepening our understanding of best practices in social development, in line with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s Partners’ Day with the theme ‘Hablon sa Kaugmaon’ or ‘Weaving Tomorrow’.
As the theme suggests, just as each thread in a hablon (weave) is essential for creating something beautiful and strong, each individual is a vital thread in the tapestry of weaving together our shared dreams and shaping the future of our communities.
Director Atienza presented the talk highlighting creative communication approaches to call attention to the importance of local knowledge in building resilient communities. She discussed the Filipino values influencing our attitudes and ideas towards climate, disaster, and resilience. The talk presents the idea that community-led creativity is the key to resilience amidst climate change.
She also introduced her creative projects that show how creative communication has been effective in practice: Handa Awit Lindol (2015), Hello Healthy Goodbye Dumi (2011) in collaboration with GUSI through the UP Sources of Solutions Grant, Handa Awit Pandemya (2022), K na K na DZUP (2022), Sayaw ng Katatagan (2024), Physical Fitness for Resilience (Tango for Rescue, Physical Fitness for Resilience Module (2023) Sanay Agap Iglap – Pilot Testing Leadership Training for Earthquake Preparedness (2024) with the UP Resilience Institute.
The key takeaway from these projects utilizing creative communication is that adaptation, plus learned behavior, and resources, leads to resilience. The talk ended with a call to make resilience a habit and promote resilience for all.