MinSU Leads Eco-DRR Technology for LGUs in Oriental Mindoro

Mindoro State University (MinSU) has initiated a two-year program focused on Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (Eco-DRRM) for Local Government Units (LGUs) to promote resilience and sustainable development in Oriental Mindoro. This initiative, which started on March 2023 and set to run until March 2025, focuses on enhancing the disaster preparedness and adaptive capacities of Local Government Units (LGUs) from the provincial level down to municipalities and barangays, the program aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and adaptive capacity among LGUs at the provincial, city, municipal, and barangay levels through a comprehensive training approach centered on Eco-DRRM principles.

While many developed countries have integrated eco-based strategies into their national disaster risk reduction plans, Eco-DRRM remains a new concept in developing countries, including the Philippines, and is often underrepresented in local DRRM frameworks. MinSU’s program addresses this gap by equipping LGUs with practical tools and knowledge for effective Eco-DRRM integration.

During the seminar workshop conducted on November 29, 2023, MinSU included four (4) core components of Eco-DRRM to benefit LGU officials across Oriental Mindoro:Capacity Development – Targeted training sessions help LGU officials and volunteers develop competencies in implementing Eco-DRRM strategies.

• Capacity Development – Targeted training sessions help LGU officials and volunteers develop competencies in implementing Eco-DRRM strategies.

• Mainstreaming Eco-DRRM Approaches – This component integrates eco-based disaster risk reduction principles into local DRRM frameworks, promoting resilience and environmental sustainability.

• GIS Technology and Land Use Planning – MinSU introduces Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for risk mapping, enabling LGUs to identify hazard-prone areas and create more strategic disaster plans. Additionally, the program supports the integration of Eco-DRRM into land use planning, facilitating data-driven, sustainable decision-making.

• Monitoring and Evaluation 

Further, MinSU also assisted the LGUs in structuring and organizing the Local DRRM Council Committee, empowering officials and volunteers from provincial down to barangay levels to proactively manage disaster risks. 

These Eco-DRR extension programs strengthened DRRM systems across Oriental Mindoro and highlighted MinSU’s commitment in advancing community-centered disaster management practices that prioritize both human safety and ecological preservation.