Tacloban City—To enhance the university’s capacity in land use development and urban planning, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) partners with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) by formally signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the People's Center in Tacloban City today, June 26.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is mandated to provide technical assistance to local government units including SUCs in building their capability to undertake housing and urban development management. This includes formulating Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and local shelter plans (LSPs), as well as ensuring compliance with housing and urban development laws, standards, and guidelines.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP), BiPSU aims to guide and regulate land utilization and developments in accordance with Republic Act No. 11396, an act Requiring State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to Prepare and Implement a LUDIP. 

The MOA outlines specific roles and responsibilities for both parties. DHSUD's responsibilities include assigning point person/s for coordination of project activities with the BiPSU Technical Working Group (TWG); providing capacity-building through training workshops, including Basic and Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) Training, Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) Training, and Campus Land Use Plan Training; offering technical assistance and coaching on LUDIP document preparation on sustainable and resilient land use; and responding to BiPSU queries regarding land use concepts, mapping, CDRA, and other related concerns.

Meanwhile, BiPSU is responsible for organizing and mobilizing a TWG to implement the project based on the agreed methodology and work plan; assigning point person/s for coordination with DHSUD; arranging fieldwork activities and workshops; engaging with stakeholders; submitting and presenting the LUDIP to DHSUD for review before submission to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and disbursing project funds as per the approved budget and reprogram funds, if necessary.

Present at the signing ceremony from BiPSU were Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., University President, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Dean of the School of Engineering and LUDIP Chairperson, and Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Director for Research Development Office. Representing DHSUD were Atty. Michael Victor C. Tezon, Regional Director, and Anna Marie Camille L. Bantaculo, OIC Division Chief - ELUPD DHSUD VIII.

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