The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showcased around 60 technologies to support disaster preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery at the Visayas leg of the “Handa Pilipinas 2023: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition.”
The event, with the theme "STY Yolanda Remembered: Understanding Risks and Preventing Disasters," was held in Tacloban City, Leyte, from Nov. 8 to 10 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of super typhoon Yolanda.
DOST said its goal was to raise public awareness of avoidable challenges and to introduce innovations and Filipino-developed technologies that are ready to be maximized in disaster prevention, response, and recovery.
Some of the technologies showcased include early warning systems for detecting and forecasting natural hazards and evacuation planning tools to help local governments identify safe evacuation routes and shelters.
President Marcos attended the event with DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
In his speech, Solidum emphasized the significance of building the country's resilience and how it will help the prosperity and security of the economy.
He stressed that science, combined with informed action and societal collaboration, is the key to mitigating disasters.
He added that the Philippines must learn from Yolanda and invest in science, communication, and collaboration to build a more resilient nation.
“Driven by our people-centric innovations, Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas—with science, technology, and innovation, with our multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the Filipino bayanihan spirit, we can be victors over disasters,” Solidum said
Meanwhile, President Marcos stressed the importance of disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines and recognized the DOST's role in developing modern technologies to address natural hazards.
The DOST, President Marcos highlighted, has been instrumental in "developing cutting-edge technologies for disaster risk prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery."
"Putting our experience at the heart of this event reminds us of the calamity that brought unimaginable destruction to the Visayas, to the Philippines. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and our vulnerability to that power," he said.
The President also implored everyone to maximize the use of these technologies to fast-track their widespread adoption and commercialization and expressed his confidence that these "technologies will be of great help during relief and rescue operations."
He also vowed the government’s continuous commitment to advancing the country's disaster resilience.