BukSU DRRMU over the years

In an era when disasters and climate-related hazards increasingly affect communities and institutions, universities are expected to strengthen their systems for safety, preparedness, and resilience. Bukidnon State University (BukSU) has responded to this challenge by developing a proactive and operational Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program that safeguards the welfare of its academic community.

Over the years, the BukSU DRRM has gained recognition as a model for campus-based disaster preparedness, attracting benchmarking visits from several State Universities and Colleges (SUC) across Mindanao, as well as institutions from the Visayas region. These engagements highlighted the growing role of BukSU as a learning hub where higher education institutions can study practical approaches to building safer and more resilient campuses.

The effectiveness of this implementation has attracted the attention of other higher education institutions that seek to strengthen their own disaster preparedness systems. As a result, the BukSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit has increasingly served as a site for institutional benchmarking among SUCs.

Over the past ten years, 11 SUCs have conducted benchmarking visits to BuKSU to observe and study its DRRM systems and operational practices. These visits demonstrated the growing recognition of the university’s disaster preparedness initiatives as a practical model for campus-based disaster risk governance.

According to the BukSU DRRM, at the core of BukSU’s DRRM implementation is the recognition that disaster preparedness must go beyond regulatory compliance.

The university has developed a systematic approach that integrates preparedness, response capability, and institutional coordination.

Organized responder groups, clearly defined operational protocols, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms allow trained personnel and volunteers to respond efficiently during emergencies and campus events.

“These structures help ensure that safety measures are consistently in place and that immediate assistance can be provided when incidents occur within the campus community,” the Unit shared.

Benchmarking institutions are particularly interested in how BukSU has translated national disaster risk reduction policies into practical operational systems within the academic environment.

The DRRM program promotes a culture of preparedness among students, faculty, and staff through regular training, drills, and safety awareness activities. By embedding disaster preparedness into everyday campus operations, the university strengthens its capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to potential hazards.

Another important aspect of the BukSU DRRM program is the integration of disaster risk reduction with environmental protection and community engagement.

Various initiatives encourage members of the university community to participate in activities that promote environmental stewardship, climate awareness, and community resilience. These efforts reflect the understanding that disaster risk reduction is not limited to emergency response but also includes long-term actions that address vulnerabilities and strengthen the capacity of communities to cope with risks.

In the past decade, the BukSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit has steadily evolved into a valuable learning hub for disaster preparedness in higher education.

The continued interest from State Universities and Colleges that conduct benchmarking visits reflects the credibility of the systems and practices developed by the university.

Through sustained innovation, organized response mechanisms, and a strong culture of preparedness, BukSU showed how disaster risk reduction can be effectively integrated into campus governance and community life.

As higher education institutions face increasing risks brought about by climate change and environmental hazards, the experiences of BukSU DRRMU provide a practical reference for building safer and more resilient academic communities across the country. (Rhondell M. Paraiso/ Head, BukSU DRRM Unit)