Filipinos are resilient. And like a bamboo “remains standing upright after disasters and the ability to absorb, adapt and transform despite the adversities.”
Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., keynote speaker, said at the opening ceremony of the 3-day “Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition’s” Mindanao leg held Wednesday in Cagayan de Oro City, also known as "The City of Golden Friendship".
Culminating today, October 6, this event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to serve as a platform to empower communities and barangays through the utilization of available data and research on disaster response, rehabilitation, and recovery. It also sought to foster collaboration among legislators, local government units (LGUs), private firms, and other agencies in embracing science and innovative technologies.
“As we aim and aspire to grow our economy in Mindanao, then therefore, we need to protect our resources, our wealth through reducing climate and disaster risks,” Solidum said, adding that “there is no such thing as natural disaster, only natural hazards,” said Solidum.
This year’s expo aims to increase public awareness of preventable and solvable problems.
Solidum proudly said some of the inventions and innovations to counter disasters that are Filipino-made technologies such as early warning systems, satellite rainfall extremes, geo-risk Philippine initiative platforms that include hazard hunter app that won one of the seven being practiced globally, plans app ready to reveal – the first app in the world that is automated.
Meanwhile, Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro City, in his message of support, said the occasion “is a testament to the department’s unwavering commitment to their mandate of using science and technology to build a better and resilient nation.”
Rodriguez said Cagayan de Oro City is defined as a city which has resilience and the ability to spring back.
Also present were: DOST undersecretary for regional operations, Engr. Sancho Mabborang; Undersecretary Teodoro Gatchalian; Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Rep. Lordan G, Suan, and DOST 10 regional director, Engr. Romela Ratilla.
Others who sent in their representatives on their behalf were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy, and Dinagat Islands Lone Rep. Alan B. Ecleo.
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