Program PRIME (Promoting Resilient Innovation for Microenterprise Empowerment) is a three-year research program implemented across six provinces of the Bicol Region. It uses a data-driven approach to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) for microenterprises — identifying their vulnerabilities and capacities, developing training and digital tools, and building a centralized regional database.
Rationale & Objectives
The program promotes alignment with community DRRM plans and stakeholder collaboration to enhance resilience and sustainable economic growth while minimizing disaster impacts. Specifically, it aims to:
- Assess the disaster preparedness and resilience of microenterprises in the Bicol Region;
- Evaluate the integration of microenterprise Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) with community-level DRRM plans;
- Map and develop a database of microenterprise vulnerabilities and capacities;
- Design a web-based system and mobile application to support data collection, training, and stakeholder coordination before, during, and after disasters;
- Identify strategies to strengthen the long-term economic sustainability and disaster resilience of microenterprises.
Program Components
Project 1 — Expansion of MERIES
The Micro-Entrepreneurs Resiliency Initiative for Enterprise Sustainability strengthens and scales MERIES by enhancing its monitoring and evaluation framework through a three-phase Microenterprise Resilience Program covering planning, simulation, and advocacy.
Project 2 — Project LUMEN
Logistics, Updates, and Management of microEnterprise Networks establishes a centralized regional database that provides standardized, reliable, and real-time microenterprise data supporting research, policy development, evaluation, and stakeholder collaboration.
Project 3 — Project BEACON
The Business Emergency Alert and Continuity Operations Network is a user-friendly web and mobile platform delivering real-time data access, visualization, learning resources, and collaboration tools that improve stakeholder engagement and coordination.
Expected Outputs
- 3,600 microenterprises trained with resiliency plans integrated into Barangay DRRM strategies and mapped into the LUMEN database, alongside 60 LGU officers trained in its use;
- 60 certified MERP trainers;
- 12 disaster simulation exercises conducted;
- BEACON website and mobile app launched;
- Research papers published on microenterprise resilience;
- A policy brief developed for government adoption;
- Tools, methodologies, and technologies converted into intellectual property outputs for broader application.
Program PRIME is led by Bicol University. For partnerships and inquiries, reach the team at the BU TECHUB Building, BU Main Campus, Legazpi City.
