NAVAL, Biliran -- To discuss updates on the progress of implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project in the Province of Biliran, the Department of Science and Technology - Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC), together with the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) through the College of Engineering, conducted the second quarter stakeholders' meeting on July 28 at the BiPSU main campus.

The meeting specifically focused on coordination with the stakeholders of the Risk Reduction and Management component of the CEST project in Higatangan Island, Naval, Biliran which is the Application of Drone Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

The activity was participated in by representatives from the two barangays in Higatangan (Libertad and Mabini), Naval MDRRM Officer, PDRRM Officer, BiPSU Team, and the PSTC Biliran personnel.

Personnel of the BiPSU-COE conducted a short demonstration on the use of the drone for mapping purposes.

Sofronio Dacillo, PDRRM officer, encouraged the barangay chairpersons to provide basic information based on past experiences as to the areas in Higatangan that are prone to flooding, storm surge, and ground shaking which will be an input to the aerial mapping that will be developed with the use of the drone.

The output of the project will be a risk map to guide local residents and tourist on hazards within the island so that accidents can be avoided. Higatangan is becoming a popular tourist destination in the province and therefore risk management is very critical. (DOST Biliran)