As climate change continues to affect communities around the world, the role of healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness and public health resilience has become increasingly significant. In the Philippines, nurses are not only frontline caregivers but also advocates, educators, and researchers contributing to global conversations on climate action and community resilience.
Reflecting this growing impact, Dr. Mary Joy E. Hermosura, RN of Notre Dame of Tacurong College (NDTC) – College of Nursing proudly represented the institution at the 3rd Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience (ACCCDR 2026) held on April 30, 2026, at the Stephen Fuller Hall of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City, Philippines.
The international conference gathered policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and development leaders across Asia under the theme, “From Risk to Readiness: Investing in Climate Futures in Asia.” The event became a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, climate action, and resilient healthcare systems across vulnerable communities.
Dr. Hermosura’s participation highlighted the valuable contributions of Filipino nurses and educators in addressing global health and climate challenges. Through her involvement in public health education, disaster resilience initiatives, and community engagement, she earned an exclusive invitation from the Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management at AIM in recognition of her dedication and professional contributions.
“This experience strengthened my commitment to continue serving communities through research, health education, and disaster resilience initiatives. Resilience begins with preparedness, collaboration, and people-centered action,” Dr. Hermosura shared. During the conference, she also engaged with distinguished personalities and advocates including Senator Loren Legarda, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), AIM President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang, and disaster resilience expert Dr. Chad Briggs. The gathering gave her the opportunity to exchange insights with fellow leaders and learn more about collaborative approaches in addressing climate and health-related challenges in communities.
Furthermore, Dr. Hermosura emphasized the significance of climate-responsive healthcare systems and the role of nurses in fostering readiness, education, and resilience at the community level in her capacity as a spokesperson of both NDTC and the nursing profession. Her attendance at the Asian conference is indicative of NDTC's ongoing dedication to academic excellence, research, and public service. More significantly, it demonstrates how Filipino nurses are still making significant contributions to healthcare as well as international initiatives to create communities that are safer, healthier, and more resilient.
In summary, her participation in the Asian conference highlights the considerable influence that Filipino nurses possess beyond conventional healthcare responsibilities. By presenting research, promoting advocacy, and demonstrating leadership on global stages, they play a key role in shaping public health and disaster readiness for the future. Dr. Hermosura did not just represent Notre Dame of Tacurong College with pride but also underlined the growing impact of Filipino healthcare professionals in advancing worldwide initiatives aimed at building safer, more resilient, and community-focused societies. (Keren Gerago)