Isabela State University (ISU) co-organizes and participates in the 3rd International Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management with the theme, “ASEAN Climate Action: Collaborative Strategies for a Sustainable Futures”.
Held at the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) from August 27-31, 2025, the ISU delegation was led by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President), together with the Vice Presidents and members of the University Executive Committee.
Through the initiative of the International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Inc. (IO-CCA-DRMM) where ISU serves as one of the founding institutions, the conference seeks to equip local planners and technical experts with up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction management, particularly in the contexts of local development planning, academic research, and scientific collaboration.
It also provides an international platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners to exchange insights, tackle pressing challenges, and explore innovative solutions in water resource management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.
Key topics during the plenary sessions of the conference include the integration of CCA-DRRM in local development planning, local government models on mainstreaming CCA-DRRM sustainable urban water use adapted to climate change, and science, technology, research and development programs on CCA-DRRM.
In his lecture as one of the plenary speakers, Dr. Batang urged universities to bridge science into policies and actions, empower youth leadership, and deepen international cooperation – ending with a clear call to act together, in solidarity and hope.
Aside from the plenary sessions, one of the highlights of the conference is the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VGU and the Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development (CVAARRD) which marked a significant institutional partnership for future research exchanges.
Likewise, in advancing partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), a series of MOUs were also signed among local executives in Isabela, Mountain Province State University, Climate Change Commission, Office of the Civil Defense, and the IO CCA-DRRM.
As part of the conference, parallel paper presentations showcased research from participants across different institutions, including ISU, which highlights studies under the four (4) thematic areas of climate-resilient communities, climate-adaptive agriculture and fisheries, climate-responsive watershed and river basin management, and nature-based solutions for sustainable development.
Moreover, a special Asia Pacific Network (APN) and Japan-Philippine NEXUS Project on Water Security session for the joint international R&D ventures of Isabela State University and Kyoto University, Japan was also conducted. These sessions provided an avenue for scholars and practitioners to present their findings, exchange ideas, and engage in constructive discussions, further enriching the collaborative spirit of the conference.
By and large, the 3rd International Conference on CCA-DRRM underscores that climate action is not only about preventing loss, it is also about thriving together as nations and communities.
