By John Vincent B. Toribio 

On the forefront of the country’s coastal management initiatives, the Coastal Engineering Research Center (COASTER) based in the Mariano Marcos State University, is holding a national summit at the Teatro Ilocandia starting today, August 14. Gathering some 200 experts, academicians and government officials, the two-day event aims to unify efforts toward Philippine coastal resiliency. 

COASTER program leader Nathaniel Alibuyog, also MMSU vice president for research and extension, highlighted the coastal engineering summit would synergize the projects of various agencies and organizations to properly shape the future of Philippine coastlines. 

“To address problems surrounding coastal protection and management, there is a need for serious collaboration among agencies and organizations. Thus, we have come together to share, debate, and celebrate innovative solutions for shaping our shorelines,” said Dr. Alibuyog.

For this cause, MMSU, the Department of Science and Technology-Region 1, and the DOST -Philippine Council of Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) worked together to convene concerned groups and individuals.

Attending the summit are officials and staff of MMSU, University of the Philippines Diliman - Marine Science Institute, UP National Institute for Geological Sciences, UP Planning and Maintenace Office, De La Salle University, Mapua University and, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University. 

International schools joining the event are Japan’s Kyoto University and Thailand’s Asian Institute of Technology, whose attendees will share their countries’ best practices on coastal engineering. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency are also at the summit.

In addition, personnel from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways -Region 1, Provincial DRRMOs and local government units are also present in the event. 

Keynoting the national summit, Dr. Leah J. Buendia, the Department of Science and Technology’s undersecretary for R&D, said the summit underscores the need to craft and implement solutions that are scientifically and technologically sound, and innovative approaches that challenge the status quo.  

“Resilience is not an action nor a mediocrity. It is the ability to adapt, thrive and come together in the face of adversity. Using science, technology, and innovation in advancing coastal resiliency entails transdisciplinary collaboration,” Dr. Buendia expressed. 
Dr. Enrico Paringit, DOST-PCIEERD executive director, seconded the DOST undersecretary, saying, “coastal resiliency is not an overnight work, it requires critical thinking and thorough assessment toward efficiency and effectivity.” 

The summit’s resource persons are set to discuss research-based collaboration frameworks toward coastal resiliency, and flood and erosion management. New research methodologies, technologies, and the COASTER’s research outputs will also be tackled.

Attendees will also be informed about appropriate practices on science-based decision-making, especially about sustainable infrastructure designs and policies that protect resources from coastal flooding - all these toward improving the lives of people in coastal communities.

The summit will likewise share with the LGUs, DPWH, and private contractors which type of coastal infrastructure must be built, where to build, and what materials to be used. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said the university is honored to host the first coastal engineering summit, and accommodate some of the most exceptional experts in the field. “This event underscores the compelling urgency to expand the horizons of science and technology to safeguard our coasts. Together, we shall transform the landscape of coastal engineering in the country,” Dr. Agrupis remarked. 

The MMSU-based COASTER was launched In November 2021. With a Php 79.9 million fund from the DOST-PCIEERD, and a Php 25.15 million counterpart fund, the establishment of the research center is under the Department’s Science for Change Program (S4CP) – Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) program. The establishment of COASTER can contribute to the reduction of agricultural and fishery losses to disaster by 20% or about Php 100 million per year. It will also help improve the protection of coastal communities from erosion, saving about Php 1 billion every year, and will boost the tourism industry in the region. (HLY, StratCom)