On 19 August 2025, the National Resilience Council (NRC) and ARISE Philippines convened a collaborative meeting with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in preparation for Megacities at Risk 2.0.
The first Megacities at Risk Conference was held in 2019 under the theme “Engineering Resilience to Seismic Waves.” It convened international organizations, government agencies, academe, private sectors, and civil society to strengthen collaboration across the Pacific Rim. The conference advanced best practice sharing, scientific exchange, and multi-stakeholder action planning, with discussions on seismic risks in Metro Manila, Tokyo, Taipei, and San Francisco. It laid the groundwork for long-term cooperation through science-based policy, joint frameworks, and follow-up consultations for resilience action.
Megacities at Risk 2.0 builds on this foundation by promoting a whole-of-society approach in which National Government Agencies (NGAs) take the lead, supported by other sectors. It aims to ensure that Metro Manila and other high-risk urban areas are better prepared to withstand and recover from catastrophic earthquakes. This initiative will culminate not only in the upcoming conference but also in the establishment of a National Public-Private Movement for Earthquake Resilience, a sustainable partnership anchored in shared leadership and continuous engagement.
To advance this effort, task groups and sub-task groups represented by all sectors will be organized to address specific pillars of resilience. The initiative is set to kick off in early November, leading to the Megacities at Risk 2.0 Conference in early 2026.
L-R: Engr. Dexter Lo (Vice President for Social Development, Xavier University), Ms. Joy Rocamora (Resilience Analyst, NRC), Ms. Rachelle Miranda (DOST DRR and Climate Change Unit), Engr. Liza Silverio (Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group, SM Supermalls) Mr. Silvestre Barrameda, Jr. (Executive Director, NRC), Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr. (Secretary, DOST), VAdm. Alexander Pama (Board Member, ARISE Global), Dir. Teresito Bacolcol (Director, PHIVOLCS), Dr. Joseph Bacareza (Executive Director, ARISE Philippines), Mr. Jeffrey S. Perez (Geologic Disaster Awareness & Preparedness Division, PHIVOLCS)
