As part of the Isabela State University’s internationalization ventures, the Stakeholders Forum on Integrated Flood Risk Management in Cagayan River Basin commenced on July 14, 2022, at Zen Hotel, Santiago City. It is one of the most-awaited international collaborative events orchestrated by the International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Inc. (IO-CCA-DRRM), in which Isabela State University is an affiliate. The concerted efforts realized in a global arena have been made possible through the sponsorship of the Isabela State University, Kyoto University- Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP), Japan Water Agency (JWA), Asia-Pacific Network (APN) for Global Change Research, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2, National Irrigation Administration- Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS), and Local Government Units (LGUs) of Santiago City and Isabela. Moreover, this international endeavor was primarily schemed by a forerunner in soil and water management – the Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training, and the Program Leader of various water resource-related research projects, Dr. Orlando F. Balderama.
The delegates who convened for the said international activity are dignitaries from JWA, Nippon Koei, Philkoei International, Inc. (PKII), professors from Kyoto University, top-ranking political leaders, research and development leaders from DOST-NRCP, regional and provincial directors of DOST-Region and PCIEERD, experts from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), DENR, DPWH, and NIA, directors of various Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER), administrators from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region, research project leaders, and ISU research staffs.
Essentially, this stakeholders forum generally aims to enhance the capacities of policymakers, managers and practitioners of river basin organizations on flood management through knowledge sharing of new approaches, techniques, methodologies, and good practices from partners here and abroad to help achieve effective implementation of integrated flood risk management as a component of integrated water resources management through stakeholders’ collaboration and consultation.
In gracing the international event, Hon. Alyssa Sheena Tan-Dy, Mayor of Santiago City, expressed her warmest welcome to all the forum participants. “Through sharing of innovative ideas in this forum…and with the help of our visitors, we can open an interactive dialogue from where we can exchange our enhancements and best practices,” she said as she hoped for innovations and appropriate management strategies for flood control. Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, ISU and IO-CCA-DRRM President, also conveyed his aspiring message to the forum delegates. “May this collaboration be our effort in underlying integrated multisector responses in enabling longer-term, catchment-wide perspective to emerge in the Cagayan River Basin flood risk management,” he stated as he called for help in reducing the risk of flood-induced human and economic losses.
Afterward, Dr. Balderama introduced all the participants of the said stakeholders forum, and elucidated the objectives and forum-workshop mechanics to set the directions and expectations for the entire duration of the event to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5 which targets the implementation of integrated water resource management approaches from the basin to the local level. Furthermore, Hon. Rodito T. Albano III, Chair of the Cagayan River Basin Management Council and Governor of Isabela Province and Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Regional Operations – DOST, represented by Ms. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director – DOST Region 2, also conveyed their empowering messages to support the advocacy of this undertaking. “It is my fervent hope that this forum will now set into motion a fruitful partnership and collaboration with our Japanese and other international counterparts in…strengthening communication linkages”, Hon. Albano added. Ms. Bilgera also rekindled the department’s shared commitment in the region. “I would like to continue what I have started; we will continue to provide opportunities and access to various S&T programs and services to all our stakeholders in Cagayan Valley,” she accentuated as she pledged the department’s accountability and investment to achieve a flood-resilient community.
By and large, all the resource speakers recognized the all-out support of our international partners from Japan to revitalize the science-community-government-academe collaboration and for the sustainable development of our country.
