QUEZON CITY- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. (Seated, 2nd from left) led the signing of the memorandum of agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as represented by DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin B. Diño (Seated 2nd from right) signifying the start of the new partnership that will carry out the information caravan dubbed as MAGHANDA or the Meteorological And Geological Hazard Advisories, Warning and Notifications for Decisive Action in 17 regions across the country.

MAGHANDA aims to provide a clearer understanding of all the warning messages on natural hazards such as earthquakes, storm surges, typhoons, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions among others, for a better response action among the LGUs. Also in photo are Local Government Academy Executive Director Thelma T. Vecina (Seated, left), and DOST-Science, Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard P. Burgos, (Seated, right) and (Standing L-R) DOST-PHIVOLCS Dr. Mylene M. Villegas, DOST-PAGASA Deputy Administrator for R&D Dr. Esperanza O. Cayanan, DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Vicente B. Malano, and DILG-Central Office Disaster Information Coordinating Center Chief Edgar Allan B. Tabell. The MOA signing was held on 16 March 2022 at the SEDA Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City.(DOST)