In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that scientific initiatives championed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are now gaining positive results for the nation.
“Sa tulong ng DOST, ginagamit natin ang mga magagandang dulot ng agham tulad ng mga nadiskubre at nagawa ng ating mga siyentipiko at imbentor, pati na rin ang mga modernong pamamaraan tulad ng mga bagong binhi, pataba, makinarya, at estratehiya gaya ng intercropping at off-season technique,” President Marcos Jr. said.
(With the help of DOST, we are harnessing the benefits of science such as the discoveries and innovations of our scientists and inventors, as well as modern methods like new seed varieties, fertilizers, machinery, and strategies such as intercropping and off-season techniques.)
Further, the President also shared that courses, programs, and scholarships in the field of agriculture await the youth to benefit their family and the next generation of Filipino farmers.
“Naghihintay din sa ating kabataan ang mga kurso, programa, at mga scholarship sa larangan ng agrikultura upang ito ay kanilang gawing hanapbuhay balang araw at maipagpatuloy ang marangal na hanapbuhay ng kanilang mga magulang at para sa susunod na salinlahi ng ating mga magsasaka,” he said.
(Opportunities also await our youth through courses, programs, and scholarships in the field of agriculture so that they may pursue it as a livelihood someday—continuing the honorable work of their parents and sustaining it for the next generation of our farmers.)
Towards better disaster preparedness
In the light of the recent typhoons that passed through the Philippines and caused millions of damages in properties and livelihood, President Marcos Jr. said that the government is strengthening disaster preparedness, especially as there are still 12 typhoons expected to visit the country, according to DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).
This is also in addition to the four active volcanoes being monitored by the DOST-Philippine Institute of Vulcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), such as Mt. Kanlaon in Negros.
“Hindi tayo dapat tumigil sa ating mga ginagawang paghahanda dahil ang banta ay patuloy na naririyan. Dapat ay maging likas at automatic na mga wastong gawi sa tuwing may sakuna. Dahil sunod-sunod ang mga sakuna, lalo na ang bagyo, mahalagang itanim ang prinsipyo na continuous improvement kung saan tayo ay natututo sa palaging humuhusay at sa bawat karanasan. Nareremedyuhan kung saan nagkulang at saan pa natin dapat galingan pa,” he said.
(We must never stop preparing because the threats are constant. Proper disaster habits should be natural and automatic. Because disasters, especially typhoons, come one after another, it is vital to instill the principle of continuous improvement—where we learn, improve, and grow from each experience. We address our shortcomings and identify where we can still do better.)
In response to these concerns, the President stated that the government will construct more modern evacuation centers, in addition to essential infrastructure.
“Ginagamit na natin ngayon ang mga makabagong teknolohiya lalo na sa maaga at mabisang prediksyon—mga doppler radar, broadband seismic station, landslide sensor system ng PAGASA at PHIVOLCS sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa. Sa epektibong pagsasaklolo, nakakatulong ang mga Mobile Command and Control Vehicle ng DOST na ipinamahagi natin sa labing-isang LGU sa buong bansa,” he cited.
(Today, we are using advanced technologies for early and accurate prediction—such as Doppler radars, broadband seismic stations, and the landslide sensor systems of PAGASA and PHIVOLCS in various parts of the country. For effective disaster response, the Mobile Command and Control Vehicles distributed by DOST to eleven LGUs nationwide are proving helpful.)
Mobile Command and Control Vehicles or MOCCOV, the brainchild of Filipino inventor Dennis Abella, is engineered to navigate and operate efficiently in the country’s diverse and often rugged landscapes. It is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art communication technologies and was developed with the full support of the DOST—specifically, a financial grant from the agency’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
Featuring PTZ perimeter cameras, a weather station system, a waterproof quadcopter drone, a satellite router with internet connection, UHF/VHF radio communication systems, and a Starlink connection, the MOCCOV enables seamless coordination and real-time updates during emergencies.
The vehicle is also equipped with vital rescue and medical tools, including a folding rescue boat with an outboard motor, an automated external defibrillator, an emergency and trauma bag, an oxygen tank with a regulator, collapsible military-grade medical beds, a blood pressure monitoring kit, and electronic devices for tracking vital signs.
The President also called on the Filipino people to cooperate, exercise discipline, remain vigilant, and practice bayanihan as responsible citizens. He encouraged them to join and cooperate in nationwide earthquake drills and to follow the authorities warnings and instructions on preventive evacuation, avoid danger zones, as well as exercise discipline in proper waste disposal and stay alert at all times, especially when a typhoon is expected to arrive.
“Disiplina lalo na sa wastong pagtapon ng basura, pagmamatyag sa bawat oras, bawat araw, lalo na kapag may nagbabadyang hagupit ng panahon, sa pag-alam ng malapit na evacuation center, pakikinig sa totoong balita, at pagtalima sa mga alituntunin ng pamahalaan. Higit sa lahat, bayanihan sa pagdadamayan at pagtutulungan lalo na sa mga nasalanta nating kapwa,” he said.
(Exercise discipline especially in proper waste disposal, stay alert at all times—every hour, every day—especially when a storm is looming. Know the location of the nearest evacuation center, listen to credible news sources, and follow government protocols. Most of all, let us practice bayanihan—mutual aid and cooperation—especially in helping those affected by disasters.)
Despite the difficulty, he encouraged everyone to do it to ensure the safety of everyone.
Message of gratitude
For his part, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and recognition of the President of the efforts done by the Department.
“On behalf of the entire Department of Science and Technology (DOST), we extend our sincere appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support and visionary programs, policies, and initiatives aimed at strengthening local science, technology, and innovation. These efforts are directed toward improving the quality of life for Filipinos,” he said.
He also said that this support “instills a profound sense of mission, motivating our commitment to serve the nation and its people effectively.
“In return, DOST is fully dedicated to providing solutions and opportunities for all through its strategic development pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars aim to address the urgent needs and challenges faced by communities and sectors throughout the country,” Sec. Solidum said.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Rosemarie C. Señora, DOST-STII)
