2025 National Resilience Council (NRC) colloquium keynote message

Updated : 27 July 2025

On 17 March 2025, the National Resilience Council (NRC) brought together more than 150 stakeholders for the 2025 RLUP Colloquium – Adopt-a-City Initiative, themed “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Partnerships and Innovation.” The event underscored how multi-stakeholder collaboration is crucial in advancing urban resilience across the Philippines.

The colloquium, a science and technology-driven platform, aligns with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda. It highlighted the Adopt-a-City (AAC) Initiative, which empowers corporations to move beyond disaster relief by investing in risk reduction, preparedness, and long-term resilience programs with local governments.

Among the participants was Prof Emeritus Emma Porio (Sociology, RGL-SoSS, Ateneo de Manila University), lead investigator of CCARPH (Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines), a partner of the NRC. Prof. Porio’s presence reflects the strong collaboration between academic research and policy implementation in building climate-resilient communities.

Also present at the event was Fr Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, SJ, NRC Vice Chair for the Scientific Organizations and Academe and Director of the Manila Observatory - Ateneo School of Science and Engineering affiliate. His participation underscored the role of the scientific community in shaping resilience strategies through research and innovation.

Local government units showcased their progress across various phases of the AAC initiative. Cities like Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi shared innovations in disaster preparedness, while Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc presented transformative measures in environmental stewardship and resilience. A highlight of the program was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a new tool aimed at strengthening local government capacities.

For more information, visit the NRC page at this link or thru the official venue's page at this link