The UP Resilience Institute (UPRI), through its Education Division, continues to bridge knowledge and practice by equipping students and local leaders with the knowledge and perspectives needed to understand disaster risks, strengthen preparedness, and build more resilient communities.
On October 12, 2026, Dr. Bernard Alan Racoma, Director of the UPRI Education Division, served as a resource speaker for the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) module of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), attended by students under the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS). The session brought together around 70 students, predominantly from the BS Chemistry program of the Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, UP Diliman.
Dr. Racoma discussed the fundamental concepts of DRRM, emphasizing the key components of disaster risk: hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and capacity. He explained how these elements interact to shape disaster risks and influence the severity of disaster impacts. He also highlighted the potential contributions of chemists to climate science and disaster risk reduction, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex environmental and disaster-related challenges.
Meanwhile, as part of UPRI’s continuing collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), Richard L. Ybañez, Chief Science Research Specialist, served as a resource speaker during the BRAVE Resilience Cohort Program on October 13, 2026. The Barangay Resilience Advocates Volunteer Group (BRAVE) initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of barangay leaders, particularly in preparing their communities for major disasters, including the anticipated “Big One.”
The session entitled “Refresher on the Fundamentals of Resilience in Barangay/Community Level” focused on deepening the participants’ leadership skills, guiding them to move beyond individual management, and embrace a collaborative, community-first approach to local leadership and resilience. Participants shared their respective barangays’ preparedness initiatives and plans, exchanged experiences and insights with fellow local leaders, and explored opportunities for collaboration to further strengthen community resilience.
Through these learning engagements and partnerships, UPRI’s Education Division reinforces the importance of translating disaster resilience knowledge into practical action—from the classroom to the barangay level.