Iloilo City’s disaster preparedness got a boost from Taiwan’s technology and expertise on this field of endeavor.
This, after Mayor Jerry P. Treñas signed December 2 the Implementation Agreement of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the city and National Science and Technology Center For Disaster Reduction (NCDR) Taiwan, Manila Observatory (MO) and National Resilience Council (NRC).
NCDR is the agency under Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology serving as the technical adviser on disaster prevention and reduction affairs.
The initiative gained support from Alliance Global Group, Inc.’s Megaworld Iloilo Business Park and SM City mall to advance joint efforts on improving resilience against natural hazards.
The MOC was signed by NCDR Director Dr. Hongey Chen; Carlos P. Romulo Foundation Chairman Ambassador Roberto R. Romulo; NRC President Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga; MO Executive Director Gemma Teresa T. Narisma; Alliance Global Group, Inc. – Megaworld Iloilo Sales and Marketing Vice President Jennifer Palmares – Fong; and SM Regional Operations Manager for Visayas Maria Majella P. Liboon.
The project has installed and maintained Smart Sensor Network from Taiwan with 20 rain gauges and quake alarm system in strategic locations all over the metropolis.
The partnerships also aim to promote knowledge-based capacity building program through introducing new technology in support of policy and decision- making.
It seeks to enhance cross-border partnership through an efficient collaborative networking and facilitate resilience to disasters for sustainable development.
NCDR provides technical support and guidance and identify specific competency, discipline, and skills for participants from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU)-Arevalo, Central Philippine University (CPU), West Visayas State University (WVSU), and University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)-Miagao.
It also briefs concerned parties on the progress and utilization of the GIS platform and explore potential opportunities for collaborative research and application. (Iloilo City PIO)
