BukSU R&D benchmarks Davao and Tagum DRRM units

Bukidnon State University (BukSU), through its Project ADOREE, conducted a benchmarking activity in Davao City and Tagum City on February 5-7, 2026, to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) systems and generate research-based policy recommendations for local governance.

Project ADOREE is a flagship research and extension initiative of BukSU, focused on enhancing the research capacity of local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness, response, and sustainable community development. The program supports evidence-based policymaking by integrating academic research with real-world governance practices, particularly in DRRM and social service delivery.

The benchmarking activity was conducted in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Malaybalay City, with participation from BukSU researchers and local government unit (LGU) personnel.

According to BukSU’s Research and Development Unit (R&D), the initiative forms part of five ongoing research studies under Project ADOREE, all aimed at improving emergency response systems, sustainable livelihoods, data-driven social services, and inter-agency coordination in disaster-prone communities. “Davao City and Tagum City were selected as benchmark sites due to their established institutional frameworks, effective DRRM systems, and strong policy implementation mechanisms. Both cities are recognized for their efficient emergency response operations and coordinated delivery of social services, making them ideal models for identifying best practices adaptable to Malaybalay City’s context.”

During the benchmarking, participants engaged with key local government offices, including the City Mayor’s Office, City Agriculture Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Planning Office, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to enable the team to examine operational strategies, governance structures, and service delivery systems implemented by both LGUs.

The areas of focus included emergency medical services, disaster response coordination, sustainable agricultural practices in vulnerable communities, and data collection systems for social services.

“These areas reflect Project ADOREE’s broader goal of developing integrated, research-driven solutions that enhance resilience and improve governance outcomes. The benchmarking activities also involved structured interviews to document best practices, identify operational challenges, and gather qualitative insights for the five ADOREE research studies,” OVPREI added.

The activity emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination as a component of effective disaster response.

Insights from both Davao and Tagum Cities demonstrated how local governments align national frameworks with local implementation, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of services to affected communities.

Participating researchers consolidated their findings and identified transferable strategies that can be localized and applied within Bukidnon. The outputs include documented best practices, enhanced research inputs, and policy recommendations to strengthen DRRM systems and improve social service delivery. (Eunssj C. Escalona/Head-CPS)