STA. MARIA, Davao Occidental (PIA) — The provision of an advanced Early Warning System (EWS) equipment has strengthened the disaster response capabilities of the municipal government of Santa Maria, Davao Occidental, particularly in remote and flood-prone areas where communication infrastructure is often challenged during emergencies.
The local government unit has recently received funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XI through its provincial office in Davao Occidental, for the procurement of the EWS tools and materials.
The project was funded under DOST’s Community Empowerment via Science and Technology (CEST) Project, which aims to empower and improve the lives of the poor and the marginalized sector through science and technology, including disaster risk reduction development.
The Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Davao Occidental and Sta. Maria Mayor Claude Benjamin II D. Bautista forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), stipulating the agency’s commitment in equipping the municipality with science, technology, and innovation interventions, to bolster its disaster preparedness and mitigation measures in the communities.
The MOA signing also signified both parties’ commitment to address the pressing need for enhanced disaster management infrastructure in the municipality.
Through the advanced EWS technology, the partnership seeks to bridge the gap in communication and empower local authorities to respond swiftly and effectively to disaster situations, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
DOST XI regional director Anthony Sales has emphasized the importance of such initiatives in enhancing community resilience, saying “Our partnership with the MLGU Santa Maria underscores the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing socio-economic challenges and building disaster-resilient communities.”
“By leveraging innovative solutions and strengthening local capacities, we aim to create a safer and more sustainable environment for all residents,” he added.
In November 2022, Sta. Maria town was placed under a state of calamity due to flash floods, which also affected the municipalities of Malita and Jose Abad Santos, also of Davao Occidental. It was the first time for the municipality to experience widespread flooding.
Recently in March this year, flash floods due to heavy rains affected several barangays in Sta. Maria, which forced about 70 families to seek shelter in evacuation centers. (CLC/PIA Davao Occidental/DOST XI)
