SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — An exposition showcasing locally-developed technologies in disaster preparedness will be held in Laoag City on July 3-5 this year to be hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DOST 1 Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaoag says the event called “Handa Pilipinas” aims to enhance disaster preparedness through technological innovations developed here in the Ilocos Region.
She said the exposition is timely considering that the Philippines remains among the most vulnerable countries according to the World Risk Index.
Storms and typhoons contribute 55 percent to the natural hazards faced by the country in the last four decades, 25 percent was attributed to floods, five percent each for earthquakes and landslides, four percent to volcano eruptions, and the rest from droughts, wildfires, and epidemics.
“The Philippines is a disaster-prone country. What the DOST is advocating is disaster-preparedness. We want everyone to have an awareness that disasters may come and go but we are able to manage them,” Tabaoag said.
Among the technologies to be showcased during the three-day event include GeoRiskPH, a technology that provides a platform for the sharing of risk information to assist local governments, the people, communities, and national government agencies.
The said information seeks to assist in the planning and preparation of strategies to reduce the risks of natural hazards.
“We will be showcasing new technologies in support of the four pillars of the DOST and in response to the 8-point Socio-Economic Agenda of the Marcos Administration,” Tabaoag said.
More than just an exposition, Tabaoag says that the end goal is for the local government units of Region 1 to adapt the technologies to be showcased.
Towards this end, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 1 has also drafted Resolution No. 6, series of 2024 which endorses the adoption of appropriate DRRM technologies by local governments in Region 1.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 has also issued a memorandum to encourage local governments to participate in the exposition. (JCR/MJTAB/ CCMT, PIA La Union)
