By: Marie Claire P. Mandar
The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UP RI) Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center recently hosted three undergraduate student visitors from the University of Sydney (USYD) as part of an ongoing academic collaboration. Their research stay ran from June 23 to August 1, 2025, providing them valuable exposure to local research practices and fieldwork experience.
The students were introduced to UP RI’s work during an orientation on June 23, facilitated by Ms. Marie Claire Mandar, Supervising Researcher from the UP NOAH Center Planning Component, which included a short tour of the institute’s offices. The following day, June 24, they were also given a short tour of the UP Diliman campus, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the university’s landmarks and learning environment.
Throughout their stay, they were mentored by EnP. Joy Santiago, Chief Science Research Specialist for the UP NOAH Center Planning Component, and EnP. Jerico Mendoza, Chief Science Research Specialist for the UP NOAH Center Flood Modelling Component, who provided technical guidance for their respective research projects. As part of their engagement, they also presented their initial research progress to UP RI Executive Director Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay on July 4, 2025, allowing for feedback and knowledge exchange.
Sophie Jiang, a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Design in Architecture student, explored how land tenure and ownership status influence climate-induced displacement, focusing on informal settlements and marginalised communities in Rodriguez, Rizal. Her research examined how housing and land conditions intersect with place attachment and resilience, aiming to inform more holistic disaster resilience policies. Sophie’s fieldwork involved semi-structured interviews with local residents and members of the LGU, assisted by For. Janiella Sandoval, For. Rysch Nae Subijano, both Senior Research Associates under the UP NOAH Center Planning Component, Ms. Claire Mandar, and Mr. Glenn Sabio, Supervising Researcher under the UP NOAH Center Flood Modelling Component. Her study highlights the importance of tenure security in climate-induced displacement and recovery.
Dylan Shadbolt’s research examined anticipatory action (AA) implementations for climate-related risks in the Philippines, focusing on lessons and challenges in activation protocols, operational and institutional contexts, and equity in aid delivery. He conducted interviews with humanitarian and government actors, including organisations such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Start Network, the Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam, with UPRI assisting in establishing some of these NGO linkages. He also interviewed representatives from national government agencies (NGAs) involved in disaster risk management and is set to hold additional interviews with local government unit (LGU) representatives to further examine how anticipatory action is being implemented at different levels. The findings will inform pathways to scale anticipatory action within national disaster risk systems, enabling more equitable and effective aid delivery.
Will Pearson focused on fire hazards in Quezon City’s urban informal settlements, identifying key risk factors such as ignition sources, building density, construction materials, and limited emergency access. His fieldwork included interviews with fire service personnel, barangay leaders, and community members, coordinated with assistance from Engr. Kristian Audri Gabriel, Senior Research Associate from the UP NOAH Center Planning Component, and Mr. Glenn Sabio. The results of Will’s research aim to inform fire risk mitigation strategies tailored to high-density, low-income communities and contribute to safer urban planning and disaster risk reduction.
Beyond their research activities, UP RI also gave the students an opportunity to experience the Philippines’ natural beauty, culture, and cuisine. They hiked to Mt. Makiling’s Mud Spring and Flat Rocks and even tried pickleball in Los Baños, Laguna (June 28), visited the scenic coastal landscapes of Dingalan, Aurora (July 5), explored the historic streets of Binondo, Manila (July 12), and enjoyed the sights of Tanay’s Daranak Falls, Angono Petroglyphs, Taytay Tiangge, and Marikina Riverbanks (July 13). On their own, the students also traveled to Bohol (July 25–28) to see its renowned tourist attractions. To cap off their cultural immersion, UP RI staff brought them to some of the well-known restaurants around UP Diliman, giving them a taste of local flavors and culinary culture.
These experiences demonstrate the value of international academic collaboration by creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and practical application of research methods in real-world contexts. Through their focused studies on anticipatory action, climate-induced displacement, and urban fire risk, the students were able to work closely with local communities, government agencies, and humanitarian organisations, generating insights relevant to Philippine disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts. In turn, UP RI researchers and partners benefited from exposure to diverse perspectives and emerging research approaches from an international academic setting. Beyond research outputs, the internship also fostered meaningful cultural exchange, as the students engaged with local practitioners, explored different regions of the country, and experienced Philippine culture and traditions firsthand, building mutual understanding that strengthens long-term partnerships between UP RI and institutions like USYD.
