UP steps up fight against disasters, climate change
“Nowhere to go but up,” goes the University of the Philippines battle cry. But not when it comes to floodwaters, as it would prefer the levels to stay down.
The University of the Philippines (UP) is intensifying its efforts against disasters and climate change, with the UP Resilience Institute-NOAH Center at the forefront of its scientific initiatives. UP Resilience Institute executive director Mahar Lagmay emphasized that instead of aiming to control floods, the focus should be on managing them, as humans cannot outmaneuver nature.
UPRI-NOAH provides nationwide hazard information on floods, landslides, storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal hazards through innovation, education, partnerships, and public service. The institute's advanced systems aim to prevent the wastage of billions in flood control funds by offering accurate scientific solutions. UP president Angelo Jimenez highlighted the Philippines' vulnerability to natural hazards, with an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually.
He explained that while natural disasters cannot be prevented, better decision-making can mitigate their impact. Jimenez stressed that the UPRI-NOAH's primary goal is to safeguard Filipino communities and inform local governments of vulnerabilities, enabling them to plan before disaster strikes. The institute, established in 2016, received P1 billion from the Department of Budget and Management to enhance its capacity in disaster risk reduction, flood management, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
UPRI-NOAH plans to expand its services, strengthen public education, develop innovative technologies, and collaborate closely with various stakeholders to ensure evidence-based public investment in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
