THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines has launched Basics of Resilience Online Courses that professionals working in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction can enroll in.

The UP Resilience Institute and the Open University Faculty Management and Development Studies collaboratively designed and tailored the courses for crisis managers, CCA-DRR practitioners, and climate action partners and stakeholders.

This series of micro-courses will be offered through UPOU’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modality starting on January 15, 2024. It can be standalone courses and be eventually credited as a Master’s degree or Diploma.

UP-RI Executive Director Prof. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay delivered a lecture on natural hazards, and what must be done since the Philippines ranked first in the World Risk Index.

Meanwhile, UPOU Chancellor Melinda Dela Peña Bandalaria said that the micro-credentialing framework of the program is transformational and can be used for the university’s new initiatives.

UP President Angelo Jimenez also stated that it is important that universities emphasize their roles in facing threats due to climate change.

Jimenez said that universities must bring the message to the communities that climate justice is the greatest moral imperative of the current generation.

“What is required is climate justice. There has to be equity as well.” the president reiterated.