Article Prepared By: Patrick Ryan Bello & David Josh C Concepcion
On August 26, 2025, representatives of the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI)—led by the Director of Institution Building (IB) Dr. Carlos Primero Gundran and UPRI staff Hazel Victoriano, Patrick Ryan Bello and David Josh Concepcion—held a meeting with key UP Visayas (UPV) officials. Chancellor Prof. Clement Camposano, VCA Dr. Farisal Bagsit, VCPD Dr. Rhodella A. Ibabao, and former SoTech Dean Dr. Ramer Bautista shared their vision for an Innovation Hub that is responsive to the needs of coastal communities.
Image 1: UPRI and UPV ongoing meeting for Hubs establishmentUPRI-IB representatives opened discussions by revisiting the importance of establishing a UPRI Resilience Hub in UPV. They clarified the documents to be reviewed by the BOR and the step-by-step process at the UP System offices. They reiterated that UPRI-IB will provide technical assistance to UPV, and anticipate other avenues to support UPV’s efforts.
UPV, maximizing their expertise in coastal areas, proposed the Center for Coastal Protection and Development Hub. Consolidating research, providing technical support to various communities, and institutionalizing engagement beyond project-based consultancies would be the aim of the hub.
They highlighted the urgent need for a science-based, academic mechanism that can bring together various LGUs, NGOs, and other government agencies to further protect and preserve the coastal communities. This “harmonization”, as Chancellor Camposano emphasized, would help clarify mandates and jurisdictions and aid in identifying and addressing gaps in governance.
Chancellor Camposano aspires for the Hub to augment efforts in establishing new academic programs such as Coastal Engineering. He also envisions that the hub synergizes with UP President Angelo Jimenez’s Flagship Program on Archipelagic and Oceanic Virtual University
The meeting adjourned with both parties agreeing to maintain close communication, designating focal staff for coordination, and ensuring that the proposal and its attachments are forwarded for OVPAA review and ready for BOR presentation before December 2025
