In an effort to advance climate resilience and disaster preparedness, Isabela State University (ISU) formalized a series of partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the 3rd International Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management held at the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) from August 27-31, 2025.
The agreements were made with the International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Inc. (IO CCA-DRRM), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Provincial Government of Isabela, the Local Government Units of City of Ilagan and Cabagan, and the Mountain Province State University (MPSU).
Anchored on the mission of addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, the collaborations seek to strengthen joint initiatives in research, education, policy advocacy, and community-based capacity-building. These include training programs, co-development of climate-responsive education materials, and participation in the biennial international conference on climate change and DRRM organized by IO CCA-DRRM and partner institutions.
During the signing, the University was represented by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) along with other University officials as witnesses. Other key persons involved in the signing were Prof. Sameh Kantoush (President, IO CCA-DRRM), Dr. Epiphania Magwilang (Vice President for Research and Development, MPSU), Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz (Commissioner, CCC), Hon. Mila Mamauag (Municipal Mayor, Cabagan), Mr. Christopher Mamauag (Provincial Administrator, Province of Isabela), and Ms. Maria Cristina Simon (Representative, City of Ilagan).
With the involved institutions committing support, the MOUs promote a whole-of-society approach to climate action, ensuring that research outputs and education programs translate into practical solutions for local communities.
The agreements will remain in effect for three (3) years and are expected to open more opportunities for collaboration toward building climate-smart and disaster-ready institutions and communities.
In another news, a MOU was also signed between VGU and the Cagayan Valley Agricultural and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRD). Since then, CVAARRD has been hosted and housed by the University.
VGU was represented by Prof. Pham Thanh Duong (Dean of Engineering, VGU) and CVAARDD was represented by Dr. Batang as the Chairperson of the Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC).
