The opening ceremony of the 1st International Conference on Governance and Partnership, and Technology Exhibition on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management
(DRRM) was slated on October 23, 2018 at the FL. Dy Coliseum in Cauayan City, Isabela.
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, President of lsabela State University (ISU) and newly elected President of the International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (IO-CA/DRRM), said that the conference will help various stakeholders, institutions, agencies, and communities to address the catastrophic phenomena in the country. “Let us find ways and means in integrating technology solutions and approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in local governance,” he said. He also emphasized the significant role of the attendees of the conference in creating viable solutions to address such problems. ”It is you who could provide the foundation of any plan, policies, and adaptation programs in creating a resilient community and in protecting the property, lives, and livelihood of the people,” he added.
It can be made known that the Philippines was recently hit by typhoon Hayan which claimed more than 6,000 lives, displaced millions of citizens, and damaged at least 2 billion dollars worth of agriculture craps and livestock and infrastructures.
On the other hand, Hon. Bernard Faustino M. Dy, Mayor of Cauayan City, showed his full support to the international Conference and said that they are fully implementing programs to mitigate the impact of climate change long before the national government has imposed five percent budget in each local government for climate change mitigation. Hon. Dy encouraged the participants to share the knowledge, ideas, and best practices they will gain in the conference to other people.
In a message delivered by the former Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. Heherson Alvarez, he said that Science is the solution to climate change. Hon. Alvarez also said that the industrial revolution has changed not only the humanity but also the nature. “When we made a breakthrough of using machines and fuels, we were gradually building up a destructive force that could eventually wipe out the human species,” he said.
Hon. Fortunato T. Dela Peña, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and invited Keynote Speaker, presented some of the programs and projects of the national government in addressing climate change. The induction of the founding officers of the lO-CCA/DRRM was also held which was administered by Hon. Dela Peña.
Before the program ended, ribbon cutting on the different exhibits and posters was led by Hon. Dela Peila where different products and inventions were displayed at the coliseum.
Plenary sessions took place in the afternoon at the Marco Paulo Hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela.
