PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. graced the “Handa
Pilipinas” Visayas Leg – a celebration commemorating the 10th
anniversary of the catastrophic super typhoon “Yolanda” on Nov. 8,
2013 in Tacloban City.
The exposition led by the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST) held
in Summit Hotel, from Nov. 8-10 tackled “Innovations in Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Exposition.”
The president said what happened 10 years ago “underscores the
importance of disaster risk reduction and management.” The Filipinos’
spirit is incredible, he added. “Our ability to come together to
support one another, to rebuild during such adversity is always an
inspiration.”
The event is an annual exposition of innovations in Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM). This year’s theme is “STY Yolanda
Remembered: Understanding Risks and Preventing Future Disasters.”
Marcos further said the government is always committed to advancing
the country’s disaster resilience. He mentioned the importance of the
role of DOST in the undertaking. “The DOST has been instrumental in
developing cutting-edge technology for disaster risk prevention,
mitigation preparedness, response and recovery.”
Collaboration among government agencies, local government, and the
private sectors and communities “is a key to effective and successful
in disaster risk and management.”
“The difference between victims of disasters and victors over
disasters is how they handle adversities. The first one suffers from
the same repeated story. The latter moves forward and builds
resilience,” said DOST secretary, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., for his
part. He explained that investing in resilience is a legacy
opportunity. “As we build Philippine resilience, we are making
Filipino communities more prosperous and secure than before.”
Solidum delivered the opening remarks while Tacloban City Mayor Alfred
Romualdez welcomed the guests to the event.
Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur
Abalos Jr. said: “We at the DILG stand together with the DOST in our
commitment to enhancing the capacities of our LGUs in the disaster
risk management,” adding that his department has initiated several
initiatives like the activation of the DILG operation centers and
others. Abalos assured the DOST of its “all-out support.”
Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said that “we can’t really
prepare enough” referring to the forthcoming disasters, but
preparation should be to the maximum. “We have to see disaster as a
science and a solution as a science,” the governor told the event
attendees. “I wish we can eliminate disasters but we can only do a
reduction.”
In the afternoon, during the presentation of the Disaster Preparedness
Technologies forum, DOST presented projects such as abaca-fiber
reinforced composites for transport; collapsible toilet bowls;
upgraded emergency disinfection system; rainwater collection system;
and emergency food reserve.
The three-day event showcases a series of technology fora, where
scientists, experts, and resource speakers discuss the DOST-developed,
supported, and funded DRRM technologies. (Nelson S. Santos)