Building Resilience: Highlights from the March 7, 2025 Flood Control and Mitigation Forum in EVSU Tacloban

On March 7, 2025, PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc., in partnership with key national and local agencies, successfully convened the Flood Control and Mitigation Forum in Tacloban City. This crucial gathering brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society to address the urgent need for sustainable flood management solutions in Eastern Visayas.

The forum was facilitated by Eastern Visayas State University headed by President Dr. Dennis De Paz and the Chairman of PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. Mr. Petronilo "Pete" Ilagan, and featured keynote insights from Assistant Secretary Romell Cuenca of the Climate Change Commission. Asec. Cuenca emphasized the increasing risks brought by climate change and the importance of aligning infrastructure development with adaptive and nature-based solutions.

Participants engaged in exploratory talks on the Comprehensive Flood Control Master Plan (CFCMP), with inputs from engineers, environmental planners, and local government representatives. The dialogue served as a springboard for future technical discussions and inter-agency coordination to craft localized, data-driven strategies for flood mitigation.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), MGB, EMB DENR, PENRO and CENRO DENR R8, and academe representatives were also present, reinforcing the cross-sectoral support needed for effective resilience planning.

PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. reaffirmed its role in participating in governance, facilitating collaboration, and amplifying community voices in climate adaptation initiatives. The organization remains committed to co-creating safer, more resilient communities in the face of intensifying climate hazards.