A delegation from the Graduate School for International Cooperation Studies (GSICS) of Kobe University in Japan recently concluded their Overseas Study Program in Tacloban City, held from March 10-18, 2025. This initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Office of Internationalization and External Affairs of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), further strengthening international academic partnerships.
The Kobe University delegation, led by Dr. Sakurai Aiko, comprised one Ph.D. student and four Master’s degree students. Their study program focused on the transmission of disaster memories and their impact on communities, with special emphasis on Tacloban City and nearby municipalities devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013. Haiyan remains the strongest typhoon ever recorded to make landfall, leaving behind massive destruction and significant loss of lives.
The primary objective of their research was to gain a deeper understanding of how disaster memories are preserved and communicated across generations, as well as how these memories shape present and future disaster preparedness and response strategies. By studying Tacloban’s post-disaster landscape, the delegation sought to identify key factors that contribute to community resilience and recovery.
As part of their academic inquiry, the delegation engaged with various government agencies and institutions, including the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Office of Civil Defense, academic and religious institutions, coastal barangays, Haiyan/Yolanda memorial sites in Tacloban City. These visits allowed them to gather diverse insights from key stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction, education, and community rebuilding efforts.
The study program also facilitated meaningful discussions with local communities and survivors, providing first hand narratives of the long-term effects of the disaster and the evolving strategies for resilience. These exchanges are expected to contribute valuable insights to the growing field of disaster studies and memory transmission, fostering a more comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness in Japan and beyond.
The Office of Internationalization and External Affairs of EVSU continues to strengthen its internationalization program by actively forging partnerships with various universities abroad. Through initiatives such as student, faculty, and staff exchange programs, research collaborations, and knowledge-sharing activities, the office aims to enhance global engagement and academic excellence. These efforts not only expand opportunities for cross-cultural learning but also contribute to the university’s commitment to addressing global challenges through education and research.
The successful completion of this program marks another milestone in the collaborative efforts between Kobe University and EVSU. It highlights the importance of international academic exchange in addressing global challenges, particularly in disaster-prone regions. Both institutions expressed optimism that this initiative will lead to further joint research endeavors aimed at enhancing disaster education and policy development.
With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters, studies like these play a crucial role in equipping communities with the knowledge and strategies necessary to mitigate future risks. The findings from this program will be instrumental in shaping policies that ensure disaster histories are not only remembered but also serve as guiding lessons for the future.
Written by: Prof. FA Aure
