Posted by Hazard Assessment Team of UPRI NOAH Center
In line with its mission to promote disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, the UP Resilience Institute NOAH Center continues to expand its outreach by engaging both youth and public servants in meaningful discussions on preparedness and hazard awareness.
The UP Resilience Institute NOAH Center was invited by Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) to give a lecture about natural hazards and disaster awareness as part of their Information and Education Campaign during the Masbate Rodeo Festival 2025 — a cultural event known for celebrating the heritage of Masbateño cowboys, now also becoming a platform for youth education and community resilience.
It was on June 18, 2025 when Engr. Alexis Bryan G. Rivera, Supervising Researcher of UPRI-NOAH Hazard Assessment Team, had the privilege of speaking to Grade 12 STEM students of Masbate National Comprehensive High School. Engr. Rivera discussed the disaster risk equation, definition and examples of each type of natural hazard, and a quick tutorial on how to utilize the NOAH website. It was an interactive lecture where students got to share their own experiences with each type of natural hazard, as well as validate some disaster events shown as examples.
Further reinforcing its commitment to building resilient communities, the NOAH Center also took part in a virtual forum organized by the AFPSLAI Corporate Affairs Division (CAD) on June 26, 2025. Entitled “Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience for Public Servants and Communities.” the session featured Ms. Audrei Anne B. Ybañez, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the NOAH Center. Ms. Ybañez shared expert insights on strengthening disaster response strategies and promoting resilient local governance, with a particular focus on the role of public servants and local communities in risk reduction.
The session emphasized that disaster preparedness is more than just awareness of natural hazards, it is about taking proactive steps, acting responsibly, and working together to reduce potential harm. It aimed to empower participants to take informed actions in the face of increasing climate-related risks.
Key areas of capacity enhancement discussed during the forum included:
- Understanding the concepts of hazards, risk, and vulnerability, which are fundamental to disaster preparedness and resilience.
- Improving early warning systems to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination;
- Implementing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programs to raise awareness at the grassroots level;
- Training Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (DRRMOs) and other responders to improve local readiness and coordination;
- Developing prevention and mitigation projects to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience in at-risk communities.
The event reaffirmed AFPSLAI’s commitment to supporting initiatives that help build safer, more prepared, and climate-resilient communities.
These two events demonstrate the NOAH Center’s integrative approach bridging scientific knowledge, youth education, and public service capacity building to foster a culture of resilience across all sectors of society.