The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a
diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through
Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and
technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local
governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the
interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction,
Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and
other global commitments.
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| National Resilience Council (NRC) Co-Chairman for the Private Sector Hans Sy, in his message of support, reiterates that resilience is a continuous journey and is a collective responsibility to build on progress, promote innovation, and ensure lasting impact. |
Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP)
Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities
and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative
enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk
reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery
planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments,
AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.
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At the National Resilience Council (NRC) Colloquium, local government units in the Adopt-a-City Initiative deliver a public narrative and take part in a panel discussion with leading resilience experts. |
The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners,
with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE
Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network.
The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private
sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC
Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation
President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific
organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon
Villarin, SJ.
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| The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies - Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva. |
Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi,
Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City
Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s
resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.”
Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next
stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted
their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am
very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed
partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship
and resilience.”
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| More than 150 members, partners, supporters and participants of the National Resilience Council (NRC)’s programs came together to celebrate the achievements of local government units in the realm of disaster risk resilience. |
A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines. (SM Supermalls)
