ISU for Sustainability

Embracing SDGs towards Quality Education and Academic Experience in the Countryside

2023 – Reports | SDG 13 – Climate Action

LEADING INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Isabela State University (ISU) has emerged as a global leader in climate action, positioning the Philippines at the forefront of international climate advocacy. Central to this achievement is the establishment of the International Organization for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (IOCCADRRM), with Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, ISU’s incumbent University President, serving as its Founding President.

The IOCCADRRM is a pioneering international network that fosters collaboration among renowned institutions, including:

International Partners:

  • Kyoto University and Japan Water Agency, Japan
  • German-Vietnamese University and Thuy Loi University, Vietnam
  • National Taiwan University and National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan
  • Danang University of Science and Technology, Vietnam

Local Collaborators:

  • Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
  • National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)
  • Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)
  • National Irrigation Administration (NIA)
  • Local Government of Isabela and Cagayan River Basin Management Council

The organization spearheads initiatives that promote sustainable community frameworks through research and extension projects. Among its notable programs are:

  • International Conferences on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (IC-CCA-DRRM): These global dialogues, held in 2018 and 2023, have facilitated knowledge sharing and strengthened international partnerships.
  • Integrated Flood and Sediment Management in River Basins for Sustainable Development (FSMaRT): This project, backed by the Asia Pacific Network, addresses water hazards and enhances reservoir management to support sustainable development.

Through IOCCADRRM, ISU has positioned itself as a critical hub for innovation and collaboration in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The university’s leadership inspires international cooperation among researchers, policymakers, and advocates, ensuring impactful responses to the climate crisis. By integrating local and global expertise, ISU continues to lead efforts that not only mitigate climate risks but also champion sustainable development worldwide.

Pioneering Climate Solutions

The IOCCADRRM serves as a platform for science-based solutions to pressing climate issues, with significant impacts such as:

  • Policymaker Support: Assisting policymakers in analyzing the effects of climate change on reservoir sedimentation, flood inundation, agriculture, and river/coastal areas, notably in the Vu Gia-Thu Bon and Cagayan River Basins.
  • Cagayan River Basin Initiatives: Facilitating the creation of the Organization for Philippine River Basin with an inaugural focus on the Cagayan River Basin.

Capacity Building and Collaboration: Hosting international conferences, forums, and workshops to strengthen global partnerships in Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM).

Major Initiatives and Milestones

ISU, through IOCCADRRM, has organized numerous high-impact events, including:

  • 2nd International Conference on CCA-DRRM (May 29 – June 2, 2023, Bangkok, Thailand)
  • International Graduate Research Colloquiums (2021-2022) addressing river basin management and water resources.
  • International Training Workshops on water resource management and flood mitigation in collaboration with global experts.

Inauguration of the IOCCADRRM Office at ISU’s Echague Campus, establishing a dedicated Climate Change R&D Facility (July 2022).

Research and Development Leadership

ISU has spearheaded cutting-edge research in river basin management, partnering with local and international institutions such as the Disaster Prevention Research Institute of Kyoto University and the River Basin Control Office of the DENR. Key accomplishments include:

  • Development of the Water Evaluation and Planning Model in collaboration with NEDA-Region 02.
  • Advocacy for national water R&D through Congressional Legislative Bill 10023, inspired by IOCCADRRM projects.

Establishing a Consortium for River Basin Management, uniting universities across the Philippines to drive collaborative solutions.

Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

In 2023, ISU has undertaken critical projects totaling Php 22 million, including:

  • Digital Flood Warning Systems in key areas of Isabela.
  • Real-Time Monitoring Databases for dam and drainage management.
  • Installation of advanced GPS, network positioning systems, and high-definition cameras to enhance disaster preparedness.

UNIVERSITY TOWARDS BECOMING CARBON NEUTRAL ACCORDING TO THE GREENHOUSE PROTOCOLS

In view of the five-year Strategic Plan (2020-2025) of the Isabela State University Climate Change Center, its vision, mission, goals/objectives, and roadmap go hand in hand to continuously develop and implement strategies that will lead the university to be carbon neutral.

These are manifested through the research and extension activities conducted by the different campuses which are considered beneficial for the university and the community.