The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) convened a high-level forum and a three-day exhibit of the 2024 Handa Pilipinas in the Philippine Congress, a disaster risk reduction campaign of the department. The event took place at the South Wing Annex, House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila, on January 22-24, 2024.
The 2024 Handa Pilipinas showcased the different advanced and developed science technologies and innovations for disaster prevention and mitigation developed by the various DOST agencies.
Bearing the theme “Innovation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition,” the DOST aims to communicate the significance of investing in disaster science technologies and innovations that help prevent the risks brought by natural
hazards. The goal of the event is to aid various stakeholders, including the legislators, in creating awareness of natural hazards in the country and focus on preparedness.
Philippine legislators and legislative staff supported the DOST in building a comprehensive approach to the utilization and application of technologies and innovations that can save lives, protect livelihoods, and preserve assets amidst the occurrence of disasters.
“The Handa Pilipinas initiative of the DOST serves as both a call to action and a desired state, acknowledging the need for proactive measures in a nation vulnerable to geological and hydrometeorological occurrences,” remarked Carlito M. Marquez, 1st District of Bohol Representative and chair of the Committee on Science and Technology in the Lower House.
According to Marquez, the Philippines took the spotlight on the World Risk Index for two consecutive years by gaining the highest overall disaster risk among 193 countries. With this, he recognized the need to take controllable actions against real-life threats.
“With over half of the country’s land area and its substantial population at risk, the focus shifts to forums and exhibitions that underscore the importance of existing science, technology, and innovation,” said Marquez.
The crucial roles of DOST-PAGASA, DOST-PHIVOLCS, and DOST-PNRI
Marquez mentioned the critical roles played by DOST agencies in risk and hazard management, specifically for their exemplary technologies and innovations for disaster response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
In his message, he acknowledged the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) for understanding the risks and anticipating future scenarios on volcanic threats. Also, he commended the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) for providing accurate and timely weather forecasts, especially on storms and typhoon warnings.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) was also recognized for conducting research related to nuclear incidents.
Meanwhile,1st District of Negros Oriental Representative and Committee on Climate Change Senior Vice-Chairperson Jocelyn Limkaichong stressed the importance of interacting with and learning from the experts of DOST-PHIVOLCS and DOST-PAGASA. This interaction is crucial in saving lives and securing communities from disaster threats.
“This event aims to promote awareness in disaster risk reduction, informing and capacitating legislators and legislative staff on the disaster risk reduction technologies generated and supported by the DOST in pursuit of a unified response to the ongoing climate crisis and towards enhancing our country’s resilience,” Limkaichong expressed.
Limkaichong stressed the valuable relationship of legislators and legislative staff with DOST in ensuring that the laws and policies created were aligned with accelerating the country’s science and technology advancements.
Policymakers and scientists in building resilience
“Through this engagement, we demonstrate how policymakers and scientists influence each other’s way of doing things. Truly a game-changer,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
Secretary Solidum further explained that in building resilience, science, technology, and innovation work hand in hand with local knowledge and communities to develop and produce technologies and innovations that are available, accessible, and useful to the Filipino people.
“Through the research and development engagement of DOST, together with national government agencies, the academe, and partners, we demonstrate the spaces where we can advance disaster and climate resilience,” he added.
DOST technologies and innovations for the country’s disaster readiness were presented by Secretary Solidum, including the Early Warning Systems, GeoRisk Philippines, Hazard Hunter PH, and Plan Smart.
“Resilience is about achieving the Filipino ambition of a comfortable life. It is about vigorously thriving and securing societies, communities that are safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. These we will help achieve with science, technology, and innovation for the Filipino people,” said the DOST Secretary.
In giving context to the campaign, the science chief said that the word “Handa” conveys two perspectives: handa, a Pilipino word to express the aspirations of becoming a community, a locality, a region, and a country that is ready and prepared against hazards and handa as a call to action and to empower citizens in taking an active role in achieving the end state of being resilient and ensuring that communities remain safe.
