The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) showcased two supported innovations on disaster risk reduction and management in health during the kick-off of the HANDA Pilipinas Exposition last 03-05 July 2024 held at the Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Carrying the theme, “Alertong Luzon, Solidong Nasyon,” the Expo featured competitions, lectures on disaster risk reduction and management, and an exhibit of DOST-supported innovations on disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Council brought innovations generated through the DOST-funded research program entitled Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) Program implemented by the University of the Philippines Manila. Developed through the DRRM-H Program Project 3: Simulation-based Learning Laboratory, the exhibit featured 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 technology. 

Also featured in the exhibit is the Unahon Tool, developed by DRRM-H Program Project 3: Mental Health Triaging System for Evacuation Center and Camp Management. Unahon is a checklist-type tool for non-mental health specialists to administer behavior and environment interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and guide resource allocation in evacuation camps. The project has completed pilot testing of the instrument and is preparing for the launching of the training program for Unahon. Over 200 participants of the Expo visited the PCHRD-supported technologies throughout the 3-day event. 

During his keynote speech, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr. stressed the importance of building disaster-resilient systems, and shared how HANDA Pilipinas contributes to this mission. “We want to introduce Filipino-made technologies, gawang Pilipino, para sa ating Pilipino; technologies that are ready for adoption and transfer, ready to be maximized by its fullest potentials for disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery,” he said.

The DOST-PCHRD contributes to the goal of creating a disaster-resilient nation through its support for research, with Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Health (DRR-CCAH) as one of the Council’s research priority areas. “The Simulation-based Learning Laboratory and Unahon Tool are concrete testaments to our commitment in providing solutions for health-related burdens brought by natural disasters,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya. “We will continue our support to our DRR in Health research, so that we may bring more useful innovations to everyone through the future HANDA Pilipinas Expositions,” he added. 

Following the Luzon leg, the Expo will hold its Visayas leg in Cebu on 24-26 July 2024 and a Mindanao leg in General Santos City on 4-6 October 2024.