Cebu City, November 4, 2026 — Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), under the leadership of University President Atty. Cyrus E. Torrena, DPA, MNSA, has formalized a partnership with Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the 13th International Conference on Integrative Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, held at Big Hotel, Cebu, on November 4–6, 2026.
Joining President Torrena were Dr. Christine P. Abo, SKSU DRRM research presenter and adviser, Engr. Rommel M. Lagumen, PhD, Director of the SKSU Climate Change–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CC-DRRM) Office, and SKSU student DRRM research presenters.
The partnership with ESSU, the conference convenor and a fellow state university located in a disaster-prone region, underscores SKSU’s commitment to strengthening institutional resilience through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.
The MOU, signed by President Torrena and ESSU President Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan, Jr., establishes opportunities for joint research, faculty and student exchanges, academic publications, professional development, and collaborative programs addressing disaster risks and climate change challenges.
As both universities serve communities exposed to various natural hazards, the partnership provides a valuable platform for sharing scientific knowledge, innovative practices, and community-based approaches to disaster preparedness, mitigation, and resilience.
This collaboration reflects SKSU’s continuing commitment to advancing disaster risk reduction through research, education, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to safer, more prepared, and resilient communities.
