The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines gathered a diverse network of stakeholders for its colloquium, From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations. The event highlighted the power of collective action in building resilient communities and fostering long-term sustainability.
As a science- and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC brings together national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance key global commitments, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda.
Held as part of the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP), the colloquium highlighted the progress of cities and municipalities participating in NRC’s Adopt-a-City (AAC) Initiative.
This initiative enables corporations to go beyond disaster relief by investing in long-term resilience strategies—funding preparedness, prevention, and pre-disaster recovery planning. By empowering local governments, the AAC fosters collaboration that strengthens community resilience.
The event gathered key partners from both the private and public sectors, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine Network.
Opening remarks were delivered by NRC Co-Chair for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for scientific organizations and academia, Manila Observatory Director Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ.
Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phases—Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—showcased their progress in scaling resilience efforts. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “Through Project Transform and our esteemed partners, Ormoc City remains on track in environmental stewardship and resilience.”
The National Resilience Council (NRC) Board launches the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss) at the colloquium together with representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of National Defense, the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network, and the City Mayor of Baguio, Hon. Benjamin Magalong, and Mayor of the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay, Hon. Jaime Villanueva.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to enhance local government capacity in disaster resilience. Reflecting NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving meaningful, sustainable change. By bridging industries, institutions, and communities, NRC and its partners are paving the way for a more resilient Philippines.