Written by Patricia Reyes
The University of the Philippines and the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) attended today’s Joint Committee Hearing on the establishment of the UP-NCRI and welcomes the approval of the proposed University of the Philippines National Climate Resilience Institute (UP NCRI) bill by the Joint Committees on Higher and Technical Education and Climate Change of the House of Representatives co-chaired by Rep. Jude A. Acidre and Rep. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino, respectively.
The successful committee approval marks a significant milestone in the continuing effort to institutionalize resilience science, climate adaptation, anticipatory governance, and evidence-based policymaking as permanent pillars of Philippine development and national security.
UPRI expresses its sincere appreciation to the distinguished authors and supporters of the various NCRI measures, including Representatives Lorenz Defensor, Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez, Brian Poe, Ryan S. Recto, Adrian E. Salceda, Agatha “Agay” A. Cruz, Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong, Christopherson “Coco” M. Yap, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Andrew Julian K. Romualdez, and Jude A. Acidre, whose leadership and commitment have helped advance this landmark legislative initiative.
We likewise extend our gratitude to the government agencies, academic institutions, and local government organizations that manifested their support and insights during the hearing such as the Department of Science and Technology and its attached agencies, Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) represented by Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) represented by Mayor Doña Cresencia Tesoro.
The broad support expressed during the hearing reflects a growing national consensus on the urgent need to strengthen the country’s scientific, technical, and institutional capacities to address increasing climate and disaster risks.
For many years, UPRI and the UP NOAH Center have worked alongside national government agencies, local governments, communities, academic institutions, and development partners to provide hazard scenarios, multi-scenario probabilistic risk assessments, flood and landslide modeling, geospatial information, capacity-building programs, and science-based decision-support systems. The proposed NCRI will help ensure that these critical capabilities are sustained, strengthened, and made more accessible to future generations.
UPRI remains steadfast in supporting the passage of this landmark measure and in providing the scientific, technical, and policy expertise necessary to strengthen its provisions. We particularly appreciate the stewardship and leadership demonstrated by the members of the Joint Committees in advancing legislation that recognizes the vital role of science, innovation, and collaboration in building a safer, more resilient, and climate-ready Philippines.
As the bill advances through the legislative process, UPRI stands ready to continue working with Congress, government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and communities toward the shared goal of resilience for all Filipinos.
Watch the full joint house committee hearing by clicking on this link.