The Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management conducted its first site visit to the Province of Albay for its project “Resilience-building and future-proofing strategies in a multi-stressed scenario in the province of Albay, Philippines” in partnership with the UP-Resilience Institute and funded by the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research in Japan (APN). The ease in travel restrictions brought about by the lesser number of COVID-19 cases made it possible. The site visit, from April 3 to 7, included courtesy calls with the local government officials and the conduct of data-gathering activities. Present during the site visit are Prof. Rose Jane Peras, PhD., Asst. Prof. Liezel B. Grefalda, Asst. Prof. Lorena L. Sabino, PhD., University Researchers – Josephine Garcia, Ph.D., and Catherine C. de Luna, Ph.D.

The project team had a courtesy call with the Honorable Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua of Ligao City where she expressed support for the research project and the commitment of the local government unit. A focus group discussion was conducted at the Ligao City Hall. It was attended by representatives from the City Planning and Development Office, City Social Work and Development Office, Office of the City Agriculturist, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Brgy. Tulatula Grande, Ligao City Sangguiang Kabataan Federation, and the Ligao City Association of Barangay Captains. It was a fruitful discussion and the project team gained valuable data and insights through the use of participatory mapping and impact chain analysis.

The group visited various offices in the province to gain valuable insights and information regarding the hazard situation in Albay. These include Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), Conservation and Development Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office V, Guinobatan Municipal Planning, and Development Office, and Polangui Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The project team would like to express gratitude to the following for the success of the site visit: Honorable City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez – Alsua of Ligao, APSEMO Head Dr. Cedric Daep, Ligao City ENRO Maria Soledad T. Preña, Honorable Municipal Mayor Ann Ongjoco of Guinobatan, Guinobatan Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Jun Acabado, DENR V Conservation and Development Division Chief Marlene Francia. (Kyle Vincent R. Singson, UPRI and IdSC-INREM)