UP launches disaster risk website

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) has launched a website that will serve as an online knowledge hub featuring resources on disaster risk reduction and management as well as topics on climate change adaptation.

The RESILIENCE portal, which is accessible at http://resilience.up.edu.ph, was launched in partnership with the Climate Change Commission and the German government through its international development company GIZ.

The website will respond to the need for climate and disaster-related information and services from the country’s experts in engineering, geology, governance, community development and other fields integral to the mitigation and preparation of communities for the effects of climate change.

“The website reflects the university’s commitment as ‘One UP’ to make available to the public its expertise and knowledge pertaining to climate change and disaster risk management,” UP president Alfredo Pascual said.

“The online portal is one of the few academe-based initiatives in the world that houses a multi-disciplinary knowledge base to support resilience learning, teaching, capacity building and policy development,” he added.

Experts on climate change from different UP units took part in the preparation of the portal.

The website houses an inventory of faculty and staff – as well as colleges, institutes and centers in all UP campuses – whose line of work touches on the various aspects of climate change and disaster risk reduction and management.

It also showcases the university’s research projects, theses and dissertations pertinent to climate change and disasters, and offers a host of related informational resources such as videos, infographics, games, news, events and educational opportunities.

UP vice president for public affairs Prospero de Vera highlighted the significance of the website in enhancing people’s understanding to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

“This will also benefit members of the academe and students, particularly those in state universities and colleges, who will be involved in the teaching, research and public service mandates as public universities,” he said.