Province Welcomes Catanduanes State University Flood Resilience Team; SPDRRMC Highlights Data-Driven Innovations
SORSOGON PROVINCE – The Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SPDRRMC) gave a warm welcome to researchers from Catanduanes State University during its 2nd Quarter Regular Hybrid Meeting, where the university presented its multi‑faceted flood resilience project for the Bicol Region.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership between the Provincial Government and academic institutions, with SPDRRMC members expressing full support for Catanduanes State University’s initiative under the Bicol RISER Consortium. The delegation, led by Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Director / Associate Professor III, Research and Development Services (R&DS), included Faculty Researchers Jerilee Tadoy and Arejay O. Tabirara, and Support Staff Rashleigh Kent T. Lim and Aldwin Joseph G. Arcilla.
Provincial officials and SPDRRMC members received the team with enthusiasm, recognizing the value of evidence‑based research in strengthening local disaster resilience. The Council reiterated the Province’s commitment to fostering collaborations that enhance community safety and sustainable development.
Engr. Raden Dimaano, Department Head of SPDRRMO, shared the Province’s best practices in disaster risk reduction and management. He emphasized that Sorsogon has increasingly become a data‑driven province, leveraging real‑time information, geospatial data, and community‑based monitoring systems to guide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Engr. Dimaano also highlighted the Province’s continuous innovation efforts, including the integration of ICT tools in early warning systems, the use of flood susceptibility maps for planning, and the regular upgrading of communication protocols among LGUs. He noted that these innovations have significantly improved the Province’s ability to anticipate hazards and protect vulnerable communities.
“We are not just responding to disasters – we are proactively building a culture of resilience through data and innovation,” Engr. Dimaano told the gathering.
The SPDRRMC and the Catanduanes State University team agreed to explore areas of collaboration, particularly in data sharing, policy analysis, and the development of a strategic flood risk management framework for the Bicol Region. The Council assured the university of its full coordination assistance, including access to relevant local data and facilitation of field activities in flood‑prone communities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to work together toward a safer, more adaptive, and disaster‑resilient Sorsogon.
