The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for Regional Operations Dr. Sancho Mabborang stressed the important role of local government units (LGUs) in building disaster resilient communities during the Visayas Leg of the 2024 HANDA Pilipinas Exposition last 24-26 July 2024 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.

In his speech, Usec. Mabborang described LGUs as “active collaborators” in enhancing and recalibrating disaster risk reduction and management policies and strategies. “They provide significant insights based on experience in the past and on the ground,” he said. “They share the best practices with other stakeholders including other LGUs, who might learn a thing or more on how to best implement and operationalize DRRM strategies with the help of technology and innovation,” he added, emphasizing the expertise of local disaster responders. The Exposition featured back-to-back DRRM fora, as well as exhibits of DOST-supported and Filipino-made DRRM innovations that may help strengthen capacities in risk reduction and mitigation, preparedness, recovery, and response.

Also supporting DRRM, the DOST – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) showcased innovations under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) Program of the University of the Philippines Manila. The program was funded by the DOST and monitored by the Council. 

Designed for evacuation camp management, one of the featured PCHRD-supported innovations in the exhibit is the Unahon Tool. Unahon is a mental health triaging tool created for non-mental health specialists. The tool aids  in administering behavior and environment interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). It also helps in resource allocation, specifically for mental health care needs, in evacuation camps. 

Another PCHRD-supported innovation featured in the event was the Simulation-based Learning Laboratory. This is a simulation training modality for disaster risk response utilizing virtual reality technology.  Currently, the DRRM-H Program is offering Basic Emergency Response training programs for emergency response groups and organizations integrating the innovation. 

“We hope that these innovations can reach more LGUs and DRRM groups through the HANDA Pilipinas Expo,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya. “These events are opportunities to create partnerships that will contribute to achieving national DRRM goals,’” he added, emphasizing the Council’s advocacy for collaborative efforts. 

Approximately 100 participants, the majority coming from local DRRM offices in Region VII, expressed interest in the PCHRD-supported innovations during the Exposition. Students, government officials and personnel, members of the academe, and the industry also visited the booths. 

The Unahon Tool and Simulation-based Learning Laboratory will also be exhibited in the Mindanao leg of the HANDA Pilipinas Exposition in October 2024 at General Santos City.