City of Ilagan Represents the Philippines at International Disaster Management Conference in Taiwan
The City of Ilagan reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to disaster resilience after being accorded the distinct honor of representing the Philippines as the sole local government unit invited to participate in the Disaster Management International Conference held on September 9, 2025, in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Leading the city delegation, Vice Mayor Jay Eveson C. Diaz presented the City of Ilagan’s comprehensive framework entitled “Whole-of-LGU Approach to Disaster Resiliency” before an esteemed assembly of representatives from major cities worldwide, including Singapore, Seoul, Paris, Texas, Tokyo, Bangkok, and New Taipei City.
Vice Mayor Diaz was joined by a distinguished delegation from the City of Ilagan composed of General Services Officer Ricky Laggui, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Gheralyn Gañgan, and City Fire Marshal Fire Chief Inspector Aime Cariño, who likewise participated in the conference proceedings.
In his presentation, Vice Mayor Diaz underscored the city’s comprehensive strategies and pioneering initiatives that have positioned Ilagan as a model of resilience within the Philippines. He highlighted programs on capacity development, infrastructure resilience, agricultural sustainability, health systems preparedness, poverty alleviation, and other best practices designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance emergency response capabilities.
He further emphasized the importance of initiatives centered on preparedness, timely response, and accelerated rehabilitation which is a critical undertaking given Ilagan’s geographic location, which makes it highly vulnerable to natural calamities.
A significant highlight of the conference was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Ilagan, represented by Vice Mayor Jay Eveson C. Diaz; Wanli District, represented by District Mayor Huang Pang Mian; and Ruifang District, represented by District Mayor Yang Sheng Ming. The agreement aims to foster stronger institutional linkages, knowledge exchange, technological cooperation, and the advancement of shared interests in disaster management. It also underscores the spirit of friendship and collaboration among the participating cities in the collective pursuit of safer, more resilient, and sustainable communities.
Through this agreement, the City of Ilagan is expected to benefit from expanded opportunities in specialized training, adoption of innovative technologies, and enhanced international collaboration, all of which will contribute to the further advancement of the city government’s disaster risk reduction and management programs.
The Disaster Management International Conference is widely recognized as one of the foremost global platforms for the exchange of expertise and strategies on disaster resilience. By bringing together key leaders and practitioners from various countries, the conference provides a venue for the collective advancement of safer, more resilient, and sustainable societies.
The invitation extended to the City of Ilagan representing the Philippines in this prestigious international gathering, stands as a testament to the city’s exemplary programs and initiatives under the leadership of Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz. It further affirms Ilagan’s position as a national model of excellence in disaster risk reduction and management. Corollary, Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, received significant national and international awards on this regard, and has consistently being invited to international forums to share its best practices.
The City of Ilagan’s active participation not only reflects its unwavering dedication to building a disaster-resilient community but also opens new avenues for strategic cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation with cities across Asia and the global community.
