SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will showcase technologies and innovations in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas-Luzon Leg scheduled on June 19-21, 2024 at Plaza del Norte in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
"The expo endeavors to raise public awareness and encourage the adoption of these technologies in mitigating, preparing and responding to hazards," said Michael John Maquiling, supervising science research specialist at DOST.
He added, “The event seeks to strengthen partnerships and coordination among key players involved in DRRM.”
To ensure the success of this event, the DOST held a signing ceremony on Thursday for a memorandum of understanding with partner institutions, gearing up for the upcoming Handa Pilipinas expo.
DOST partnered with various institutions including the Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Free and open to the public, the expo will welcome participants from various sectors across Luzon, including local government units (LGUs), national and regional government agencies, DRRM councils, volunteer organizations, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Attendees can explore various DRRM technologies on display such as the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software, advanced remote data acquisition unit, agrometeorological station, automated rain gauge and weather stations, tandem station, Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording (USHER) system, water level monitoring and flood early warning stations, tent system, tsunami early warning system alerting station, unsinkable porta boat, and mobile command and control vehicle.
Additionally, the expo will showcase ready-to-eat food blends and snacks designed for immediate relief during emergencies and disasters.
These products can also be used in regular feeding programs.
In a message, Dr. Teresita Tabaog, DOST-Region 1 regional director, said "Following a successful Visayas Leg last year, DOST is committed to ensuring these technologies are not just exhibited but utilized by LGUs in disaster management."
"We urge the DILG, LGUs, and all partners to collaborate and commit to this advocacy. While hazards are inevitable, science-based approaches can help us manage them effectively," Tabaog added.
Following the signing ceremony, representatives from each partner institution expressed their commitment to making Handa Pilipinas a success and contributing to building a more disaster-resilient Ilocos Region. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)
