By Wilson J Hormeguera

Xavier University – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (XU-DRRM) team crafted their 10-year strategic plan (2015 -2025) through environmental scanning and analysis workshops on June 9-10.

Five major strategic goals emerged from the said planning: experts’ development, fund outsourcing, multidisciplinary and responsive program offerings, strengthened institutional partnerships, and production of breakthrough knowledge products.  

“The 2025 Strategic Plan has redefined XU’s role in DRRM,” said Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quaioit, vice-president for XU - Research and Social Outreach.

“As a university, XU shall be an avenue in the production of knowledge products and the development of competencies for DRRM,” she added.

XU-GLI director Dr Dixon Yasay facilitated the 2-day planning workshop, including setting the XU-DRRM’s mission, vision, and goals.  

XU-DRRM aims to be a leading organization in the development of competencies on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA) in Southeast Asia.  

Engr Dexter S Lo, XU-DRRM head and director of the Engineering Resource Center (ERC), reaffirmed the vision of the Xavier University Sustainability Institute (XUSI) stating that it has be consistent with the international standards of DRRM-CCA.

The XU-DRRM strategic planning concluded with the creation of the organizational structure of the envisioned XUSI.

XU-DRRM originated from Tabang Sendong, XU’s relief and rehabilitation operations in the aftermath of TS Sendong and was instrumental in the multisectoral relief operations dubbed as “Kagay-anong Pakigbulig” for the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda in Central Visayas. At present XU-DRRM has focused its programs on strengthening the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) in Northern Mindanao.