Eastern Visayas – In the 5th edition of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8 showcased its priority programs, high-impact projects, and innovations aimed at fostering sustainability and disaster resilience in Eastern Visayas.
Among the agency's key strengths was its emphasis on bamboo as a core commodity for economic and environmental sustainability. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Marilyn O. Radam, among other DOST-8 officials, explained the agency's initiatives in pushing the bamboo sector through science and technology.
DOST 8 played a vital role in the Guinness World Record attempt for the highest number of people simultaneously planting bamboo. This initiative, which attained record-breaking feats in collaboration with DOST Mindanao Regions 10 and 12, was highlighted during the National Science and Technology Week Celebration, which took place in Cagayan de Oro in November 2024.
Apart from the symbolic planting, the agency has been putting effort into bamboo research, development, and commercialization. This includes establishing of bamboo tissue culture laboratory to develop high-quality planting materials for textiles, construction, and other industries.
The DOST regional office has also been helping communities, specifically in Samar, to improve bamboo processing facilities and ensure local industries will benefit from value-added bamboo products.
Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience
As the vice chair for mitigation and prevention, DOST 8 continues to strengthen disaster preparedness in the region. Given Eastern Visayas’ vulnerability to natural disasters, the agency has implemented scientific and technological solutions to enhance disaster risk management.
Among its recent projects is the deployment of three mobile command and control vehicles (MoCCoV) to Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City, and the local government of Pintuyan in Southern Leyte, aimed at improving disaster response and coordination. The vehicle is equipped with weather monitoring station, a rescue quadcopter drone, global satellite communication, surveillance equipment, and medical supplies.
"All state colleges and universities are qualified as partners, but we only have budget for three MoCCoVs from 2024 to early 2025. We prioritized based on location and readiness," stated Marilyn Radam, assistant regional director for technical operations at DOST Eastern Visayas, during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press briefing on Tuesday.
The agency also developed early warning systems in order to potentially reduce flood exposure, and smart phone apps to provide timely, accurate weather and disaster information.
Commitment to Regional and National Development
Through Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOST-8 reaffirmed its commitment to delivering science, technology, and innovation solutions that drive sustainable development. The agency continues to support local industries, strengthen disaster resilience, and promote climate action, aligning with national priorities under the current administration.
With these efforts, DOST-8 remains a key player in ensuring that science and technology drive inclusive growth and environmental sustainability in Eastern Visayas.
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