Science-backed action is imperative in addressing
evolving climate threats.
This was the central guidance at the Scientific Forum
in Iloilo City: Navigating Challenges of the New Normal, as key stakeholders
gathered at Park Inn by Radisson, Mandurriao on September 28, 2026. The forum
aims to advance climate and disaster risk reduction by grounding local policies
in evidence-based solutions.
As the realities of the “new normal,” characterized by
extreme heat, severe rainfall, and cascading weather anomalies, continue to
impact local communities, the event serves to elevate awareness on emerging
climate impact drivers, enable proactive decision-making to minimize residual
damages, and co-create innovative, multi-sectoral resilience pathways through
Project TRANSFORM.
Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized the practical value of
foresight, sharing her personal experience during the onslaught of Typhoon
Frank in 2008 and now her efforts in leading relief operations whenever extreme
weather threatens the metropolis. She also underscored the lasting impact of
foundational infrastructure investments, particularly the Jaro floodway
development and comprehensive river rehabilitation initiated during the
administration of former Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Mayor Raisa highlighted the essence of proactive risk
reduction, stating, “If we know what we are expecting, we can be prepared.
Understand risks, anticipate impacts, and make decisions that protect lives
before danger reaches our communities.” She added, “Science gives us knowledge
to understand risks. But it is our responsibility to turn that knowledge into
action.”
The forum drew participation from various city
government departments, uniformed personnel, media partners, academic
institutions, and community volunteer groups.
This forms part of the overarching KABALAKA Program
(Kahublagan sa Barangay para sa Lapnagon nga Kahandaan sa Kalamidad), the
flagship disaster risk reduction and management framework of the Iloilo City
Government executed through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Office (CDRRMO).
Distinguished Speakers and Topics:
• Rev. Fr. Jett Villarin (Executive Director, Manila Observatory)
Topic: Climate and Non-Climate Impact Drivers We Need to Be Concerned About
• Dr. Rosa T. Perez (Senior Research Fellow, Manila Observatory)
Topic 1: Understand Climate Extremes, Projections, Scenarios and Downscaled Climate Information for Philippines/Iloilo City
Topic 2: Socio-Economic Considerations for Iloilo City in Addressing the Compound and Cascading Risks in the New Normal
• Dr. Charina Lyn Amedo-Repollo (Co-developer, Marine Heatwave Tracker, UP MSI)
Topic: Dynamics of Marine Heat Wave and Its Impact on Iloilo City
• Alfredo Quiblat Jr. (Weather Services Chief, Visayas PRSD)
Topic: Evolving Hazards for Coastal Cities Included in the Compendium of
Philippine Environment Statistics
• Dr. Fernando Siringan (Research Professor, Marine Science Institute)
Topic: Role of Iloilo’s Geological and Geographic, and Coastal and Marine
Features in Its Exposure to Climate and Non-Climate Impact Drivers
• Dr. Gay Defiesta & Dr. Hanny John Mediodia (Professors, University of the
Philippines Visayas)
Topic: Risk Considerations Across the Value Chain for a Coastal City
• Dr. Emma Porio (Professor Emeritus, Ateneo de Manila University)
Topic: Insights on Intersectional Resilience Pathways for Coastal Cities
• Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla (Resilience Fellow, National Resilience Council)
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