In the face of stronger typhoons, more frequent floods, and the looming threat of the “Big One,” one question continues to surface: Are we truly ready?
That question echoed in my mind as I walked through the exhibits and listened to the discussions at Handa Pilipinas: Visayas Leg – Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Nationwide Exposition 2025 recently held in Bacolod City. The three-day event organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with partner agencies and the academic institutions was not merely a showcase of technology—it was a showcase of hope, of science with a heart.
As a journalist who has covered some of the country’s most devastating disasters—Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, the 7.2-magnitude Bohol earthquake that struck on October 15, 2013, with its epicenter in Sagbayan, Bohol, and which was felt strongly in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas including Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental; the flash floods that repeatedly inundated parts of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental; and the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed communities worldwide—I have witnessed how unpreparedness can magnify human suffering.
But amid the destruction and despair, I have also seen the extraordinary dedication of first responders—the men and women who run toward danger when others run away—and the indomitable spirit of resilience that lives in the Filipino soul. In the faces of survivors, rescuers, and volunteers, I saw not just pain, but courage; not just loss, but the will to rise and rebuild.
It is this spirit that DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. captured perfectly when he said during the opening of Handa Pilipinas:
“Resilience is not luck. It is science in action.”
He emphasized that Handa Pilipinas is more than an exhibit — it is “a platform that unites science, technology, innovation, and local action for disaster and climate resilience.” The Secretary also highlighted that the theme of this year’s exposition captures “the collective spirit of strength and perseverance that defines the Visayan people—steadfast in the face of challenges, and forward-looking in harnessing science and technology to build a better, safer tomorrow.”
Solidum’s challenge to all participants was powerful and thought-provoking:
“How do we transform this strength into sustainable resilience? How do we ensure that science and innovation truly reach and empower every community, every family, and every individual in the Visayas—in the Philippines? This is what this gathering is all about. Through Handa Pilipinas, we are not just showcasing technologies, we are nurturing a mindset and culture of preparedness that turns knowledge into action, and action into resilience. We are learning from the past, applying science for the people, and working hand in hand for a sustainable future.”
Those words resonated deeply, especially after seeing firsthand the many innovations presented at the event. From volcano and flood monitoring systems to drone surveillance technologies, portable communication masts, and ready-to-eat food packs for disaster-stricken areas, every display was proof that Filipino scientists and innovators are creating solutions that save lives.
DOST Negros Island Region Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga echoed this sentiment, describing Handa Pilipinas as “more than just an event—it is a movement that embodies our vision of a safer, stronger, and smarter Visayas, where science, technology, and innovation serve as the backbone of resilience and sustainable development.”
He noted how the ongoing activity of Kanlaon Volcano and flooding in many parts of the country remind Filipinos of our vulnerability to natural hazards, underscoring the urgency of science-based, technology-driven, and community-centered solutions.
Gelonga also emphasized the inclusion of youth in this year’s Handa Pilipinas—a strategic move to build a culture of readiness early on.
“We are encouraging them to visit our exhibit area,” he said. “We have quiz bowls and pitching competitions so that early on, bata pa lang ‘yung ating kapwa Pilipino, they already understand the importance of disaster resiliency and adopt the mindset that all of us—regardless of vocation or status—should always think of disaster resiliency.”
That message perfectly aligns with the call of Secretary Solidum: resilience must be systemic, inclusive, and sustained. It is not just the responsibility of agencies or experts—it must live in our schools, barangays, homes, and daily habits.
As an educator and communicator, I’ve come to realize that the communication of science is just as important as the science itself. When people understand the “why” and “how” of preparedness, science becomes human. It saves lives not only through data, but through awareness, empathy, and trust.
In every exhibit, every presentation, and every story shared at Handa Pilipinas, one truth stood out:
Resilience is not built overnight. It’s built by people who turn science into compassion.
And that, I believe, is the real story behind Handa Pilipinas—science and humanity working hand in hand for a safer and stronger Visayas, and a truly Handa Pilipinas.*
