RD Torrecarion Speaks on Building Resilience Through Partnership and Accountability

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Tacloban City, Leyte — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC VIII) highlighted the importance of collaboration and accountability in disaster governance during a recent academic conference hosted by the University of the Philippines Tacloban College (UP Tacloban).

OCD VIII Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson Dr. Lord Byron P. Torrecarion served as one of the keynote speakers at the conference titled “Building Resilience in Partnership: Disaster Risk Reduction and Accountability for the Public and Private Sectors,” organized by UP Tacloban through the Division of Management and Public Management 298 Graduate Students.

Before an audience of local government officials, academe representatives, civil society organizations, and private sector partners, Director Torrecarion emphasized that building resilience is a shared responsibility—one that demands strong partnerships, transparent coordination, and accountability across all sectors of society.

In his address, “Building Resilience in Partnership: DRR Accountability in the Public and Private Sectors,” he underscored that effective disaster governance must be anchored in inclusive planning, responsible leadership, and internal DRRM mechanisms that ensure resources are efficiently managed and interventions reach the most vulnerable communities.

“It is high time we advance these conversations and engage a wider audience,” Torrecarion said, noting the continued challenges faced by Eastern Visayas, which has recently experienced strong earthquakes and the impacts of Typhoon Opong. “Resilience is not built overnight—it grows through consistent collaboration, preparedness, and accountability at every level, from institutions to communities.”

He added that Eastern Visayas, being one of the country’s most disaster-prone regions and a survivor of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), continues to exemplify the spirit of resilience—turning hard-earned lessons into opportunities for improvement and innovation in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Director Torrecarion also lauded UP Tacloban for providing platforms that bridge academic learning, local governance, and community engagement, cultivating a new generation of leaders and advocates who champion inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in DRRM.

The event served as a meaningful convergence of ideas, experiences, and shared commitments to build safer, more resilient communities across Eastern Visayas and beyond.

Together, let us continue to uphold the spirit of resilience and partnership — towards a safer and more resilient Eastern Visayas. END #leyteinitiatives