Tarlac State University, through the Center for Engineering and Environmental Research, formalized a partnership with Barangay San Isidro in Tarlac City through the signing of a memorandum of agreement today (December 22) at the Main AVR for the implementation of the E.A.R.T.H S.H.I.E.L.D. Program.
The E.A.R.T.H S.H.I.E.L.D. Program, which stands for Enhancing Awareness, Resilience, and Tactical Hazard Management in Securing Humanity through Innovation, Environmental Leadership, and Sustainable Development, is a long-term extension and research initiative of TSU aimed at strengthening disaster resilience and promoting environmental sustainability in local communities.
Brgy. San Isidro, identified as one of the high-risk flood-prone areas in Tarlac City, serves as the pilot partner community of the program.
In her message, Barangay Chairperson Hon. Gloria T. Buhay thanked TSU, describing the institution as a vital partner in improving the barangay’s disaster preparedness efforts.
“Kayo po ang magiging pakpak namin kung paano namin mapagtatagumpayan ang lahat ng gagawing mga proyekto para sa ikakaayos ng aming barangay pagdating ng mga kalamidad at magagamit din ang mga ito ng susunod pang henerasyon,” Hon. Buhay said.
One of the program’s initial activities, set to begin in January 2026, is the updating of the barangay’s hazard map, which was revised in 2019.
According to CEER Director Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed, the initiative will also include evacuation planning and the identification of the safest routes during flooding incidents.
Director Mohammed emphasized that disaster preparedness is not about anticipating calamities but about reducing potential harm to communities.
“We need to understand why that is happening. Hindi pwedeng i-accept na lang natin na may baha—dapat malaman natin kung ano ang naging cause nito and how to control the flooding. We cannot really eliminate it, but we can make it tolerable,” he said.
Meanwhile, faculty members and students from the College of Engineering will take part in road surveying activities, including the installation of road markings to indicate flood depth levels.
The partnership, which will run until December 2028, will also cover disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capacity-building activities, focusing on the use of advanced tools such as real-time hazard monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Present during the MOA signing are Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos and Presidential Communications Secretary Asst. Prof. Maricor Cheska B. Santos, representing TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco. (jlm-OPA)
