TACLOBAN CITY– In commemoration of the 12th anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan), the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), through its Office of Internationalization for Higher Education under the Office of the Vice President for Student Development, Internationalization, and External Affairs, hosted an international webinar titled “From Tragedy to Transformation: Global Insights on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)” in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
The online event, attended by nearly 500 participants from various universities in the Philippines and abroad, provided a platform for global and local experts to share lessons and strategies on disaster resilience and recovery.
In her solidarity message, Hon. Eva Tenzin, Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic, speaking on behalf of H.E. Karel Hejc, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Philippines, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and management. She emphasized the importance of international cooperation in building resilient and adaptive communities.
Three distinguished speakers served as resource persons during the webinar: Mr. Eisuke Tachikawa, Design Strategist and CEO of Nosigner (Tokyo, Japan), who presented innovative design approaches for disaster communication and resilience; Dr. Jake Rom D. Cadag, Professor of Geography at the University of the Philippines–Diliman, who discussed the social dimensions of disaster risk and the critical role of community participation in DRRM; and Ms. Julie Ann Culibar, a Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist, who shared practical insights on local implementation and capacity building.
In his message of commitment, EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz reaffirmed the university’s dedication to advancing global awareness and academic engagement in DRRM. He highlighted EVSU’s vision to become a National University for Resiliency and Climate Action (NURCA)—a hub for education, innovation, and collaboration in addressing climate and disaster challenges.
The successful conduct of the webinar also strengthened EVSU’s partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, which expressed its intent to co-host another DRRM-focused event in 2026. Plans include inviting DRRM experts from the Czech Republic for future webinars or in-person lectures at EVSU.
This growing collaboration underscores both institutions’ shared goal of promoting international linkages and fostering a disaster-resilient academic community—proving that from tragedy can emerge transformation, cooperation, and hope.
(Faustito A. Aure, MRD, Director, Office of Internationalization for Higher Education)
