As the kickoff of the Stakeholders Forum on Integrated Flood Risk Management in Cagayan River Basin concluded, the resource speakers were given due recognition for their commendable efforts in the success of the multiagency information exchange as one of the highlights of the first day of the stakeholders forum. Afterward, a series of glamorous cultural presentations were performed by the Balamban Cultural Dance troupe to exhibit Filipino hospitality and showcase the vibrant culture of the Philippines to our international partners. Subsequently, a sumptuous welcome dinner, sponsored by the Provincial Government of Isabela, was organized for the conglomeration of intellectuals in the field of water resources.
To reassure and accentuate the legislative support that top-level political leaders offer, Hon. Faustino A. Dy V, Congressman of the Sixth District of Isabela, conveyed a message of commitment to further link the efforts of the government to scientific and academic communities. “Flood management in Cagayan River is a gargantuan task…it will take a lot of efforts from different government agencies, different partners like Local Government Units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), private [sector] because it takes a collective effort to really solve the problem that we have,” he expounded.
The stakeholders forum concludes with a fellowship between the international and local stakeholders to further fortify the friendship which was instigated by academic and research collaborations.
