Partido State University (ParSU) College of Engineering and Computational Sciences (CEC), Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), and the City Government of Naga formalized their partnership for the implementation of the Generating Resilient Ecosystems and Enhancing Nature in Rivers (GREEN-R) project through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held last March 10, 2026 at Naga City Hall.
Under the agreement, ParSU will take the lead in implementing the Project GREEN-R, providing technical direction and research expertise for the initiative, which was approved under the Bicol Regional Innovation and Sustainability Empowerment for Resilience Consortium (Bicol RISER).
The signing ceremony was led by Mayor Hon. Maria Leonor G. Robredo, with ParSU and BISCAST representatives in attendance, marking a collaborative step toward advancing science-based environmental solutions for the region.
The GREEN-R initiative introduces a nature-based water filtration system designed to replicate self-sustaining ecosystems. By utilizing microbes, aquatic plants, and biofiltration processes, the project aims to restore river health and improve water quality through a chemical-free approach.ย
Beyond ecological restoration, the initiative also supports broader climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts by strengthening the river system as a natural buffer against climate change and extreme weather events.
Representing ParSU in the MOA Signing activity were Dr. Raul G. Bradecina, Vice President for Research and Extension; Prof. Patricia M. Candelaria, Research and Publication Services Division Director; Engr. Emelina R. Padayao, Dean of CEC, and Dr. Anabella C. Villando, Director, Center for Water Resource Research, who serves as the project lead for GREEN-R. The initiative is supported by experts from ParSU CECโs Department of Sanitary Engineering in collaboration with researchers from BISCAST.
Meanwhile, BISCAST advances a complementary research initiative on Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) for urban flood resilience.
Through the partnership, ParSU and its collaborators aim to harness research-driven innovations to restore river ecosystems while strengthening the regionโs capacity for sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.
With Reports: Engr. Anabella C. Vilando
Photo Credits: Engr. Emelina Padayao
