To carry out a women-led disaster preparedness project, the Municipality of Bacolor sealed a partnership agreement with Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) through its Graduate School (GS) and Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Office at the Bacolor Municipal Building on March 10, 2025.

The project is inspired by the ‘Inang Handa’ Design Thinking Model of DHVSU-GS’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) – Professional Track program, Batch 2025, as part of their field engagement initiative.

DHVSU, through its faculty experts and the Extension Services Office (ESO), will offer extension programs, training, services, and outreach activities aligned with disaster resiliency building and women’s empowerment to the identified barangay in the Municipality of Bacolor, where the project will be pilot-tested with the assistance of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Office.

The Municipality of Bacolor was represented by its Municipal Mayor, Eduardo 'Diman' G. Datu, and MDRRM Bacolor Administration and Finance Officer, Anjanette C. De Jesus.

Present during the agreement signing as DHVSU representatives were Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, concurrent Director of the DFPS, and Dean of the Graduate School; Rhiziel P. Manalese, Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Office; Engr. Rhoderick Favorito, Director of ESO; the ESO center managers; and the MPA Batch 2025 students.

Photo credits: Extension Services Office