On March 26, 2026, CVISNET Foundation, Inc. convened representatives from LGU Medellin and the Barangays of Tindog, Curva, Canhabagat, and Caputatan Sur for a strategic training session to enhance local disaster resilience through the ISLET Connect Project. Held at Medellin Central School, the activity gathered barangay officials, local stakeholders, and partner organizations to strengthen collaboration and advance community-centered connectivity initiatives in the Municipality of Medellin, Cebu.

Before the event, CVISNET, together with guests from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), and Ms. Rieko Okabe, a Japanese Disaster Preparedness Advisor and Certified Disaster Prevention Specialist, paid a courtesy call to Hon. Edwin Salimbangon, Municipal Mayor of Medellin, Cebu, who conveyed support for the development of social enterprises in the ISLET Connect Project - in partnership with APC and ISEA. The Mayor also recognized the initiative’s potential to enhance local livelihoods, strengthen disaster preparedness, and improve public service delivery.

CVISNET Executive Director, Mr. Jeffrey Llanto, provided updates on the connectivity status of the five (5) project sites, including LGU Medellin and the four pilot barangays: Tindog, Curva, Canhabagat, and Caputatan Sur.

During the opening session, Ms. Chat Ramilo, Executive Director of APC, emphasized the importance of community-driven connectivity solutions. She underscored that sustainable digital infrastructure should be locally managed and aligned with community needs, enabling residents to access information, emergency communications, and economic opportunities, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

Further strengthening the initiative, Mr. Gomer Padong, Supervising Program and Development Cooperation Specialist of ISEA, presented a framework linking connectivity to social enterprise development and local economic growth. His presentation emphasized the importance of local ownership, digital empowerment, and sustainable livelihood creation, positioning the ISLET Connect Project as a scalable and replicable model for community-led development in Cebu and other rural areas.

A highlight of the session was the presentation of Ms. Rieko Okabe. With over 15 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, Ms. Okabe delivered a comprehensive talk entitled "Realities People Face in Daily Life After a Disaster: A Japanese First-hand Experience." Her presentation focused on practical and often overlooked aspects of disaster survival and recovery, including: 1) Emergency Sanitation – for managing critical challenges such as toilet facilities in evacuation shelters; 2) Disaster Nutrition – for practical food preparation and nutrition strategies in post-disaster settings; 3) Shelter Hygiene – for maintaining health standards in crowded evacuation centers; and 4) Transitioning to Recovery – for addressing logistical and psychological challenges from evacuation to permanent housing.

Representing Bousai Life Map LLC, Ms. Okabe is recognized for her innovative approach that integrates household resilience, professional organizing, and nutrition. Her insights provided valuable practical knowledge for barangay leaders and stakeholders, reinforcing the project’s goal of ensuring that connectivity is complemented by preparedness and community resilience.

The activity successfully strengthened stakeholder collaboration, enhanced community preparedness, and reinforced the sustainability framework of the ISLET Connect Project. Through the integration of connectivity, disaster preparedness, and social enterprise development, the initiative continues to move forward in building digitally connected, resilient, and empowered communities in Medellin, Cebu.