Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized that, beyond technological advancements, empowering citizens to prepare them for disasters is essential.

Solidum made this statement during the opening of the 2025 HANDA Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas event, which took place from August 7 to 9, 2025, at the Newtown Convention Center in Baguio City, located in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

“This means that when communities understand the risks and have the tools and knowledge to act, they become stronger and safer,” he added.

Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas showcases local technologies that can be adopted by Local Government Units to help communities prepare and respond to various natural hazards including earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires among others.

Meanwhile, Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan recognizes the need for efforts to be grounded on science-based knowledge to prepare for disaster. He stated that science is crucial for surviving the risks associated with natural hazards. “In this era of increasing climate threats, environmental uncertainties, and fast-evolving challenges, science and innovation are no longer optional,” Olowan emphasized. “They are imperatives for survival and sustainability.”

Olowan added that they need to embrace the concept of a smart, sustainable, and disaster-resilient community as the city is exposed to extreme weather conditions. Just last month, heavy rains caused landslides and flooding in Baguio and nearby areas in Benguet.   

Science-based, local solutions

One of the technologies highlighted is the GeoRiskPH — an online platform that maps out hazards such as active fault lines, flood zones, and landslide-prone areas. “GeoRiskPH is more than just a data collection and repository; it’s a governance platform that fosters collaboration across sectors and provides clear guidance for decision-makers in a transparent, systematic, and efficient manner,” Solidum explained.

Just recently, the Cordillera Regional Land Use Committee (RLUC) adopted GeoRiskPH to be used in advanced hazard mapping and risk analysis to support safer spatial planning and infrastructure development. The adoption demonstrated the scalability of the platform to conform with the regional development needs.

HANDA Pilipinas also highlighted grassroot efforts and community-based innovations, including Dynaslope, which uses sensors to detect early signs of landslides; Project SARAI or Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines, which provides climate-smart agriculture advisories to farmers; and Project DANAS, a knowledge-based communication toolkit to be used by instructors and disaster risk reduction and management practitioners in various local languages

Additionally, DOST distributed vital knowledge resources such as the HANDA Pilipinas Local Caravan Guidebook, exhibit modules, and the Seismic Hazard Atlas (developed through the SHADE Project: Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Design Earthquake of the Philippines) to provincial LGUs in CAR and Baguio City. These materials are intended to strengthen local awareness campaigns and community education initiatives.

The event also marked the official launch of the Cordillera DREAM (Disaster Risk Evaluation, Analytics, and Management) Project, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to utilize big data and artificial intelligence to transform risk analytics and disaster management in the Cordillera region.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration has officially kicked off right after. The RSTW in CAR 2025 showcases local scientific achievements, innovations, and solutions on food, textiles, health, among others, from various DOST Research and Development Institutes and academic partners. Visitors can experience firsthand several interactive Science and Technology exhibits and forums including the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration Mobile Planetarium, the Disaster Risk Reduction themed Escape Room, and the NuLab: STEM in Motion, a mobile laboratory for students.

Other key events include the launching of the Advanced Manufacturing Center in CAR, DOST-Benguet Innovation Hub, and the turnover of the Mountain Engineering Technologies to LGUs.

HANDA Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas and the 2025 RSTW are among the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology 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 Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)