“Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities", thus Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), sounded the battlecry during the launch of a nationwide program designed to make our communities safer during calamities.
Speaking before local executive officials of Region III at the start of the two-day seminar held at the Oxford Prince Hotel, inside the Clark Economic Zone, last March 3-4, 2013, Sec. Montejo lamented the result of a World Risk Report in 2012 which ranks the Philippines as third among countries which are most vulnerable to natural hazards. He said that we need to break out of a “vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction” after each calamity. At least an average of 20 typhoons visits the country every year which also bring along other associated hazards like flooding, landslides and storm surges. There are also earthquakes and tsunamis. Calling the Philippines as a “disaster laboratory” Sec. Montejo emphasized the need for a coordinated plan to mitigate the effects of such disastrous natural events before, during and after they occur.
Citing the unprecedented damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda, Sec. Montejo said that the local officials on the ground prepared for a strong typhoon. However, post disaster assessment showed that more needs to be done in helping communities prepare strongertyphoons in the future. He enjoined the local executive officials present to be more proactive in disaster management in their respective areas. “The safety of your communities lie in your hands. With broad powers at your disposal, you should be able to provide a strong frontline to make sure your constituents are safe at the stroke of a disaster,” the Science Secretary added.
Thus, the DOST is holding a series of roadshow information and communication campaign to help capacitate local government units respond better to natural calamities. Using available scientific tools and taking into account conditions inherent in a particular community, the seminars will provide knowhow which can serve as guides to local executives make the right decision by planning ahead. Through a process called disaster imagination, there will no longer be second guessing weather forecasts and alerts issued by authorities. Local officials will be able to anticipate and predict damage caused by, say a Storm Signal No. 3 alert based on their knowledge of community vulnerabilities, that is the kind of buildings and structures that will be destroyed in the face of such a storm signal. Said Secretary Montejo, “We hope to instill a culture of safety among our communities. By giving early warnings which should lead to early action, minimum loss of life and property and much faster recovery can be achieved. This should be the new normal.”
Among the resource speakers during the two-day seminar were Dr. Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay of Project NOAH and Dr. Vicente Malano of PAGASA.
Taken from http://region3.healthresearch.ph/index.php/10-news/latest-news/36-dost-launches-program-for-safer-communities