Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) strengthened disaster preparedness education and community resilience in 2025 through student engagement, maritime safety outreach and partnerships with local stakeholders in Lucena City and Quezon Province.
The initiatives supported the University's continuing efforts to promote climate-related disaster preparedness and encourage communities to take proactive measures against environmental and safety risks.
Strengthening coastal community preparedness
On Feb. 15, 2025, MSEUF's College of Maritime Education (CME) conducted a maritime safety demonstration and distributed life jackets equipped with whistles and flashlights to 25 fishermen in Barangay Ransohan, Lucena City.
The activity, conducted in partnership with barangay officials and residents, promoted safer fishing practices and improved access to emergency safety equipment among fishermen exposed to potentially dangerous conditions at sea.
Barangay Captain Raul Soriano, together with barangay councilors and staff, supported the activity. CME Community Extension Services Coordinator Emmanuel Serrano and Engr. Rio Henson Derecho initiated the outreach, with assistance from CME-CES officers led by 2nd Class Larrence Serguino and the organizing committee.
The outreach demonstrated how university-led community extension activities can contribute to disaster preparedness among coastal populations through practical safety education and protective equipment.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Empowering youth through disaster risk reduction education
MSEUF also promoted youth involvement in disaster preparedness through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Awareness Seminar, themed “Resilient Generation – Youth in Action for Safer Communities,” scheduled for Sept. 13, 2025, at the University Gym.
The Community Relations Department organized the seminar under the National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS), with Dr. Melchor Avenilla Jr., Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of Quezon Province, identified as the guest speaker.
The initiative aimed to strengthen students' understanding of disaster preparedness and encourage their participation in promoting safer and more resilient communities.
Through disaster risk awareness education, MSEUF sought to encourage youth to recognize their responsibilities in community safety, risk reduction and preparedness.
 |
 |
Engaging with national sustainability and resilience initiatives
MSEUF also participated in national sustainability discussions through Arby Lagman, then director of the Health, Safety and Auxiliary Services Department, who attended Sustainability Expo 2025 on Aug. 29–30 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City.
Organized by SM Prime, the Department of Science and Technology and ARISE Philippines, the event highlighted science and technology innovations supporting environmental stewardship, sustainable urban development and community resilience.
The expo provided opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and explore approaches to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
 |
 |
Recognizing institutional resilience efforts
MSEUF's continuing commitment to sustainability and disaster resilience gained national recognition when Lagman, then director of the Sustainability Department, became a national finalist in the Philippine Resilience Awards 2025.
The recognition highlighted his leadership in University initiatives promoting sustainability, safety and community protection.
The awards recognized contributions to climate action, disaster risk reduction and national resilience, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Advancing climate adaptation through community engagement
Together, these activities illustrate MSEUF's efforts to connect academic knowledge, disaster preparedness education and practical community assistance.
Through cooperation with local government representatives, community stakeholders and national sustainability networks, the University continued to promote a culture of preparedness and environmental responsibility.
The initiatives also demonstrated the importance of institutional engagement in strengthening the capacity of students and communities to respond to safety risks and environmental challenges.