The Education Division of the UP Resilience Institute (UPRI) actively participated in the 2nd International Forum on Sustainability Science, held on July 10-12, 2024, at Caraga State University in Butuan City.
This forum brought together professionals, academics, researchers, and practitioners from various disciplines to address complex sustainability challenges arising from the interaction between human activities and the environment. The Education Division delegation included Director Ruben Gamala, Mr. Richard Ybañez, Division Chief, Ms. Flor Agra, and Mr. Gabriel Tan. The UPRI team collaborated with Assistant Professors Lianne Angelico Depante and Maria Lourdes Jarabe of the UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies during the panel discussion. This collaboration signifies the Institute’s commitment to fostering inter-institutional partnerships in advancing disaster resilience education. Together, they played a vital role in showcasing collaborative initiatives and expertise in disaster education.
Mr. Ybañez, Ms. Agra, and Mr. Tan participated in a panel discussion titled “The Future of DRM Education in the Philippines: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for Greater Community Resilience.” while Director Gamala moderated the panel. The discussion showcased the Institute’s initiatives: the Basics of Resilience MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), an online course developed collaboratively with the UPOU to provide accessible education in climate and disaster resilience, and the Master of Climate and Disaster Resilience program, currently being developed with UPOU, which aims to equip future professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in this critical field.
Mr. Ybañez presented a comprehensive analysis of current trends and programs in DRM education across the Philippines, while Mr. Tan and Ms. Agra delved into the impact and insights gleaned from student demographics and feedback gathered through the Basics of Resilience MOOC.
UPRI’s participation in the forum highlights its dedication to equipping Filipino communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges brought about by disasters and the climate emergency. Through innovative educational programs and collaborative efforts, the Institute paves the way for a more resilient future for the Philippines.