KYOTO, JAPAN—To strengthen collaboration for sustainable water resources and livelihoods, the Mountain Province State University (MPSU), along with the International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Inc. (IO-CCA-DRRM) and four (4) Philippine Higher Education Institution, entered into a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kihada Hall, DPRI, Uji Campus, Kyoto University (KU) on March 13, 2025.
The MOU established a consortium for disaster-related project solutions in the Philippines and was signed in the presence of CHED Commissioner Hon. Marita R. Canapi. Along with MPSU President Dr. Edgar G. Cue in the ceremonial MOU signing were Prof. Sameh Kantoush, President of IO-CCA-DRRM, Kyoto University; Dr. Ricmar Aquino, University President of Isabela State University; Prof. Merian P. Catajay-Mani, University President of Romblon State University; and Prof. Jayson Victoriano representative of Bulacan State University.
Prior to the MOU signing, a ministerial meeting was held where future plans and projects were openly tackled. The agenda specifically included support for the establishment of Isabela State University (ISU) as a water resource university or national R&D center; support for the establishment of the Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute (KU-DPRI) ASEAN Satellite Hub at ISU, Philippines; the conduct of the IO-CCA-DRRM Conference in Taiwan and the 2nd International Symposium on Integrated Flood and Sediment Management in River Basin for Sustainable Development (FSMaRT) in Vietnam; and partnership initiatives between the Philippines and Japan.
This initiative is part of the NEXUS Philippines Inception workshop, for the NEXUS program – a collaborative project on sustainable water management and reservoir dam operations between Kyoto University, Japan, and Isabela State University, Philippines. The project intends to boost exchanges and training with Philippine universities and expand collaboration with other ASEAN countries.
MPSU personnel who accompanied the MPSU President in the workshop were Vice President for Research Development and Extension Dr. Epiphania B. Magwilang, Director for International and Local Affairs and Linkages Dr. Karen B. Cue, and Presidential Management Staff Ms. Nalyn Maitang.
