Experts from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) reiterated the vital role of research and development (R&D) in improving the country’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts and climate change adaptation and the need for more multi-sectoral collaboration.
During the 8th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC) held on July 23-24, 2025, key stakeholders, policymakers and experts gathered to discuss the critical role of R&D in driving national progress, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and fostering local and international collaboration.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said there are around 157 Filipino scientists and researchers who have renewed their commitment for R&D in the Philippines and have been engaged in various capacities both at the national and local levels.
“While we build the future cadre of R&D professionals in the country, we are also determined to engage the energies of our scientists and up-and-coming researchers to address our current national problems where their expertise and talents would undoubtedly play a vital role,” Solidum said.
To have a more focused discussion among researchers and key stakeholders, the conference gathered experts in breakout sessions anchored on the four pillars of the DOST namely: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.
“I think most of us are all asked here, starting with Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, that Science-based informed decision is very important so that we can make right decisions appropriately,” Joan C. Salcedo, supervising science research specialist of DOST PHIVOLCS said.
As the Section Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction-Capacity Building Section of the Geologic Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Division, Salcedo played a key role in numerous national and international R&D projects, including the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), which is among the projects presented in the breakout session under the wealth protection pillar.
Moreover, according to Climate Change Commission Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, wealth protection in the face of climate change requires strategic, science-based action rooted in collaboration across disciplines.
He added that climate change could reduce the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 7.6 percent by 2030, reaching 13.6 percent by 2040, thus the need for immediate action.
Through the wealth protection pillar, the DOST has come up with programs to safeguard lives, property, and economic assets brought about by disasters, health risks, and environmental threats.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shared that the Philippines ranks first in the World Risk Index for three consecutive years due to its high exposure to natural and human-induced hazards—including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tropical cyclones.
It added that the country faces over 50 earthquakes daily, 24 active volcanoes, and an average of 20 cyclones annually, with 8–9 making landfall.
With that, the country implemented a comprehensive DRRM system under RA 10121, which institutionalized a multi-sectoral, proactive approach to disaster resilience. This law led to the creation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF) and Plan (NDRRMP) 2020–2030, structured along four thematic pillars: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and early recovery, and rehabilitation and recovery.
However, OCD chief of Plans Division Emanuel Balajadia said that despite this notable progress, gaps persist in funding, local coordination, data integration, and infrastructure in remote areas, thus the OCD calls for strengthened investment in R&D, multi-level collaboration, and data-driven decision-making to build a safer, more resilient Philippines.
On the other hand, Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Deputy Administrator for Research & Development of DOST- PAGASA said that research and development are a relevant information needed for the country to become resilient.
“Climate is, of course, one thing. We can translate climate information into several things. For example, we can use climate information in rainfall, kailan kaya uulan for a particular area? And eventually, we can translate that into an application, for instance, in agricultural practices, or for example, for adaptation,” Villafuerte said.
Villafuerte led several R&D projects aiming to improve the climate services in the Philippines, which included the development of SatRex-an online platform for near-real time monitoring of extreme rainfall, sub-seasonal prediction of tropical cyclones, development of ClimGridPh: high-resolution historical climate dataset, and provision of multi-decadal climate projections, among others.
“Definitely, R&D is the heart of what we do, everything, everything. So, for example, if you're developing used cases, this is actually based on R&D. And then, after improving the used cases to be useful, in order to be more accurate, then we translate this to a service already or a product. That's why, for example, under the GATES program, for example, for the DRR and CC [climate change], we will be looking at the multi-faceted, nature of DRR,” Mabelline T. Cahulogan, supervising science research specialist of DOST-PHIVOLCS said.
Cahulogan is also among the top scientists who shared her expertise as a geologist and the officer-in-charge of the Geology and Geophysics Research and Development Division of the DOST-PHIVOLCS.
She is the program leader of the multi-agency GeoRiskPH and PlanSmart Initiatives where natural hazards data are mainstreamed, and planning processes are streamlined through web applications and online services.
The NRDC is an annual activity that aims to promote coordination and collaboration among stakeholders of research and development (R&D) and innovation. It highlights ongoing and completed R&D projects and programs that are aligned to the priority areas of the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) that will be for the use or benefit of society, and those that may contribute to economic development.
This is among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed 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 Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)
(From left to right): Mabelline T. Cahulogan, supervising science research specialist of DOST-PHIVOLCS, Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Deputy Administrator for Research & Development of DOST-PAGASA, and Joan C. Salcedo, supervising science research specialist of DOST-PHIVOLCS, share their R&D projects in addressing pressing issues on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in a breakout session in wealth protection during the 8th NRDC, held at Manila Hotel on July 23-24, 2025. (Photo from DOST-PHIVOLCS)