Isabela State University (ISU) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 16, 2026 at the OCD New Administrative Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, to strengthen collaboration in disaster risk reduction and management initiatives in Region 2 and North Luzon.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Boyet L. Batang (University President) who was accompanied by the University’s vice presidents: Dr. Precila C. Delima (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Hilda A. Manzolim (Vice President for Administrative and Finance Services), Dr. Isagani P. Angeles, Jr. (Vice President for Planning and Development), and Dr. Orlando F. Balderama (Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training). On the other hand, OCD was represented by Usec. Harold N. Cabreros (Administrator, OCD).
The MOU establishes cooperation between ISU, through its mandate of providing higher education, research, and community service in agriculture, engineering, and environmental sciences, and the OCD, for its responsibility to coordinate disaster management efforts in the Philippines.
The agreement outlines several key areas of collaboration, including the conduct of research and studies on hydrometeorological and other hazards such as flooding and typhoons. It also explores the establishment of a Civil Defense and Disaster Management Training Center in Region II and North Luzon, as well as the development of a study proposal for an integrated emergency center focused on Cagayan River and Magat Dam monitoring. In addition, the partnership covers the organization of joint conferences, seminars, workshops, short courses, and professional development training programs. The agreement further provides for internship and scholarship opportunities for ISU students and personnel, and sets clear provisions on the management of copyright and publications arising from joint activities, with mutual agreement on authorship and dissemination.
Moreover, the partnership aims to promote disaster resilience through research, capacity-building, and community-focused programs, benefiting both institutions and the communities they serve.
The event focused on the signing of the MOU documents by the authorized representatives from both ISU and OCD to formalize the partnership and mutual commitment to advance disaster preparedness and management initiatives.