The DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute showcased its cutting-edge technologies and innovations for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation at the Handa Pilipinas 2023: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition held from 27-29 July 2023 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. 

Coinciding with the celebration of National Resilience Month, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kicked off the activity’s Luzon leg with the theme, “Risk Reduction in Mega Cities.” 

The three-day DRRM expo aimed to bring together various DRRM technologies developed by researchers from academic research institutions, government agencies, and various industry organizations, as well as spotlight these innovative solutions with the goal of fostering opportunities for collaboration and widespread adoption. 

Parallel to the exhibit, the event hosted an array of programs including discussions, a reverse pitching activity, a debunking session, and a policy forum. The concluding day witnessed researchers and experts from the different DOST-ASTI projects engaging in a tech pitch at the DRR TechXpo. Their presentations centered on how DOST-ASTI projects and services address issues related to DRRM. 

Mr. Adrian Aristotle Dellagas, representing Meteorological Data Acquisition Stations for Information Dissemination or MASID, provided insights into the development of weather stations over the years. 

Engr. Riza Carmela Pineda and Engr. John Chris Kwong gave presentations about the Rural Casting and LokaLTE components of Project REIINN, respectively. Although initially designed to bridge the digital divide in education, they demonstrated the adaptability of REIINN technologies and infrastructure for DRRM purposes. 

Mr. John Kevin Abonita delivered a presentation about DOST-ASTI’s social sensing network app called Kooha. This app offers significant use in disaster reduction and response efforts, particularly during evacuation procedures, surveillance and assessment of critical areas, and the adoption of safety measures pre- and post-disasters. 

For the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine (ALaM), Mr. Elmer Peramo discussed the versatile applications of ALaM that can contribute to addressing DRRM challenges. This includes pre-disaster mapping, drought monitoring, mapping critical infrastructures, and object identification. 

Through collaboration with communities and a keen understanding of the evolving DRRM landscape, the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to providing robust and adaptable innovations that strengthen the country’s collective resilience against potential disasters. 

About Handa Pilipinas 

Launched in 2022, Handa Pilipinas is spearheaded by DOST in partnership with DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and DOST-National Capital Region (NCR). Now in its second year, DOST is bringing Handa Pilipinas around the country with two more legs scheduled to be held in Visayas and Mindanao.  

Resilient Education Information Infrastructure for the New Normal or Project REIINN 

Social sensor networking mobile app Kooha 

Meteorological Data Acquisition Stations for Information Dissemination or MASID Technologies 

ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine or ASTI-ALaM