Xavier University (XU) hosted its 2nd DigiHaz Networking Activity on April 29, 2026, a pivotal gathering for the EU-funded Digital Transformation for Natural Hazards (DigiHaz) project in Northern Mindanao.

Out of more than 100 global proposals, DigiHaz stands out as one of only three projects approved for funding under the European Union’s flagship Global Gateway initiative through the SCOPE-HE program—underscoring its significance as a cornerstone for international climate action and sustainable development.

Promoting Innovation & Global Collaboration

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, President of Xavier University, who emphasized the university's role as a catalyst for regional innovation. Fr. Tan highlighted that cross-border and cross-sector collaboration is essential to addressing the complex, climate-driven environmental challenges facing Southeast Asia.

Designed to revolutionize disaster risk management in the Philippines and Malaysia, DigiHaz bridges local needs with international expertise:

• Global Vision & Strategic Mission: Prof. Sergio Molina-Palacio of the University of Alicante (Spain), the project’s Principal Investigator, outlined the overarching mission of DigiHaz—demonstrating how digital transformation can close critical gaps in disaster preparedness and response across vulnerable regions.
• Agentic AI & Digital Twins: Prof. George Hlouopis of the University of West Attica (Greece) delivered a keynote speech on emerging technologies in disaster management. He highlighted the application of agentic AI and digital twins—virtual replicas of physical environments that allow decision-makers to simulate, predict, and respond to natural hazards with unprecedented precision.

Localizing Impact: Actionable Intelligence for Northern Mindanao

Bringing the global initiative down to the local context, Engr. Jefferson R. Vallente Jr. presented an overview of DigiHaz initiatives currently being deployed in the Philippines. "This isn't just about theory; it's about tools," noted Engr. Vallente.

Central to these efforts is the newly developed DigiHaz online platform, which leverages advanced data analytics to equip local government units, emergency responders, and community stakeholders with real-time, actionable intelligence needed to protect lives and infrastructure.

Institutionalizing Community Safety: MoU Signing

The networking activity concluded with a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Xavier University and key local academic partners, including the City College of Cagayan de Oro and the Northern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology.

This agreement formalizes a strategic framework to integrate the digital tools, research outcomes, and training modules developed through DigiHaz directly into local governance and long-term community safety protocols across Northern Mindanao.