Caraga State University’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CSU-DRRMO), in collaboration with its provincial counterpart, led the culmination activity for the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) for the university today, July 30. The event highlighted the crucial role of resilient and disaster-ready universities.
Mr. Jorge Vincent G. Pagaran, Chief of the Capacity Building and Training Division of the Provincial DRRMO, discussed key principles for effective hazard and disaster preparedness. He emphasized the university’s role in maximizing its capabilities in reducing vulnerabilities and disaster risks while taking into account various exposures and risk factors.
CSU DRRMO Director, Prof. Urlie Anino, zeroed in on the significance of the activity, stating that it plays a vital role in empowering the university community to better understand and respond to disaster-related challenges.
On Resilience and Disaster Preparedness
Caraga State University has long recognized the critical importance of preparedness and awareness in times of hazards and disasters. In 2021, it established Task Force Jeremiah to lead and streamline emergency response efforts both on campus and in anticipation of external threats.
Among its most notable initiatives was CSU’s comprehensive COVID-19 response, which garnered national and international recognition as a model for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) during health crises. The Task Force also spearheaded the university’s swift and compassionate response to the 2024 fire incident that impacted some of its Golden Paddlers.
To strengthen its DRRM efforts, CSU partners with agencies like the OCD, RDRRMC, and DENR, joining activities such as earthquake and fire drills, tree planting, and the “Adopt-an-Estero” program to strengthen its commitment to resilience, sustainability, and proactive disaster prevention.
Recently, the university served as the host venue for this year’s Regional Rescuelympics, which brought together elite response teams from across the region to showcase life-saving skills, teamwork, and operational readiness through a series of simulated emergency response scenarios.
