• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
In response to and in preparation for calamities, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental volunteered to spearhead this year’s Handa Pilipinas-Visayas Leg on October 27–29 at SMX, Bacolod City, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Negros Island Region.
Dubbed “Padayon Visayas: STI for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas,” the three-day disaster preparedness exhibits and conference will gather government leaders, scientists, innovators, educators, students, and media practitioners to underscore the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in strengthening disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the Visayas.
“We are expecting at least 400 participants across the Visayas regions, and we are aiming to make science communication more understandable to the public through the help of the media and in this initiative,” Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Negros Occidental Officer-In-Charge Engr. Glady Reyes said yesterday during a press briefing.
DOST-NIR Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga added that “the success of this Handa Pilipinas will not be measured through the number of participants during the exhibit, but it will be measured on the output after.”
He further said that the goal of the event is to come up with technological solutions for disaster resilience and preparedness, which will be disseminated later to all communities across the Visayas.
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
Gelonga highlighted during the press conference that this is the first-ever Handa Pilipinas to involve the youth sector, particularly students.
“We want them also to be aware; that is why we will conduct quiz bees, project pitching, and other competitions for them to participate in and share their knowledge also with us, because who knows, their project might be a solution to the pressing issue,” he said, citing that a pitching competition for student-initiated disaster preparedness solutions will be a highlight of the event.
Meanwhile, primary and high school students will participate in disaster preparedness activities through the Brains and Breakthroughs Quiz Bowl.
Handa Pilipinas is part of the national campaign of DOST to strengthen public awareness, promote collaboration, and build resilient and sustainable communities across the Philippines.*
