PASAY CITY, October 20, 2026 — The Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) and the National Resilience Council (NRC) held a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today at the SM Prime Amphitheater to support a special citation under the Galing Pook Awards for local programs demonstrating excellence in disaster resilience and climate adaptation.

The MOA was signed by Executive Directors Jay Carizo and Sly Barrameda of GPF and NRC, respectively, and witnessed by Vice Admiral Alexander Pama (Ret.), the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of ARISE Philippines, and Galing Pook Board Chairperson, Dr. Maria Fe Villamejor-Mendoza.

The partnership seeks to recognize programs that help communities manage risks, prepare for hazards, and adapt to changing climate conditions. It brings attention to how local initiatives sustain essential services and protect lives and livelihoods when disruptions occur.

Beyond the citation, the collaboration will promote knowledge exchange and the development of resilience champions in risk governance. Local governments and their partners can draw lessons from the programs recognized and explore approaches suited to their own communities.

The partnership underscores the importance of making resilience part of everyday governance. This means understanding local risks, involving communities in decisions, and incorporating preparedness and adaptation into planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

Through this collaboration, Galing Pook and NRC aim to connect recognition with learning and practical action, helping more communities benefit from local approaches that have demonstrated results.

The signing took place alongside the Final Presentation and Interview of the 19 Finalists of the 2026 Galing Pook Awards in Pasay City.