Davao Oriental Enhances Tsunami Preparedness with New Early Warning System from DOST

Davao Oriental, Davao Region, Philippines –Residents of high-risk coastal communities in Caraga, Davao Oriental are now better prepared for potential tsunamis with the newly installed Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS) by the Department of Science and Technology XI through Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) – Davao Oriental, in collaboration with the DOST–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). 

The TEWS is designed to provide real-time information and warning signals, significantly enhancing the community’s ability to respond swiftly to tsunami threats. This system aims to deliver a cost-efficient yet reliable tsunami forecast, which will aid in timely disaster responses. Moreover, it serves as a visualization, interpretation, and local tsunami emergency decision-support tool for the Local Government Unit of Caraga Davao Oriental, particularly in coastal barangays prone to tsunamis.

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance disaster preparedness in our Region. This equipment will empower our LGUs to make informed decisions during emergencies,” said Dr. Anthony Sales, DOST XI Regional Director. 

In addition to the installation of the TEWS, DOST-PHIVOLCS conducted an Information, Education, and Communication campaign, a workshop on tsunami evacuation, and integrated the 83rd Community Tsunami Alerting Station into the TEWS.

A total of 39 participants from the coastal barangays of Santa Fe, San Jose, Poblacion, San Antonio, San Luis, Santiago, and Don Leon Balante attended the workshop. These barangays have been identified by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office as high-risk areas for tsunamis.

DOST Davao Oriental Provincial Director, Ms. Mirasol Domingo highlighted the importance of community engagement in disaster preparedness. 

“Our goal is not only to install these systems but also to ensure that the community understands and is prepared to act on the information provided. The participation of local residents in the workshops is crucial for effective tsunami risk management,” Ms. Domingo said.

This initiative is part of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program, underscoring the commitment to leveraging scientific advancements for the safety and well-being of communities in disaster-prone areas.

DOST Seeks Legislative Support of Mindanao for 5 Priority Scientific Bills

Need institute to lead in-depth studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents among people, plants, and animals.

DOST Seeks Legislative Support of Mindanao for 5 Priority Scientific Bills 

The Department of Science and Technology Davao (DOST Davao) joined forces with the DOST Department of Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) to organize a hybrid consultative forum that is geared towards advancing the nation’s scientific landscape. The event aimed to inform and update stakeholders on the priority bills of the DOST while seeking crucial support for the enactment of proposed science legislation.

The consultative forum, a collaborative effort between regional and legislative branches, gathered key figures in the scientific and legislative communities. 

The priority bills discussed during the forum included the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Modernization Act, the Philippine National Nuclear Safety Act (PhilATOM), the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act, the National Measurement Infrastructure System (NMIS) Act, the DOST Regional Office Act, and Science for Change Program Act.

The PHIVOLCS Modernization Act seeks to strengthen the capacity and capability of PHIVOLCS to provide better services critical to reducing disaster risk and losses and ensuring a safer, sustainable future.

The PhilATOM aims to create an independent regulatory body to synchronize all regulatory activities on ionizing radiation under one organization, conforming to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The VIP Act aims to establish an institute to lead in-depth studies on viruses and their potential disease-causing agents among people, plants, and animals.

The NMIS Act will strengthen NMIS and attain harmonization of metrology standards, resulting in globally competitive and quality products and services, consistent with ASEAN and other recognized international standards.

Lastly, the Science for Change Act (S4CP) aims to significantly increase investment in Research and Development (R&D), and accelerate it to improve industrial competitiveness and capacity building among universities and industries, fueling innovation and socioeconomic growth in the country.

Dr. Anthony C. Sales, DOST XI Regional Director, emphasized the importance of the activity, stating, “This is a pivotal moment as we gather to inform and update our esteemed stakeholders on the priority bills of the DOST and, more importantly, to seek your valuable support for the enactment of proposed science legislations.”

The Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Priority Legislative Agenda was at the forefront of discussions during the forum, reflecting the relentless commitment to fostering innovation, scientific advancement, and technological breakthroughs.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. expressed his call for collective effort, saying, “Let us help our country move forward through milestone STI legislations.” 

The sentiment was echoed by DLLO Director Lita Suerte Felipe who highlighted the opportunity at hand, stating that regional consultation is an opportunity they value because it helps improve the bill.

Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian, DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns, underscored the Department’s dedication to enhancing services and efficiency, emphasizing the need for the passage of the proposed Acts. 

“The DOST is not resting in its desire to make its services more responsive, relevant, efficient, and effective. Our operations are always governed by directions, policies, guidelines, and laws that will make our services legitimate. We need the passage of these Acts,” remarked Dr. Gatchalian.

500 Davaoeño Seniors, PWDs join SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum

On emergency preparedness forum

500 Davaoeño Seniors, PWDs join SM Cares’ Emergency Preparedness Forum

Some 500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Davao City gathered for the Emergency Preparedness Forum organized by SM Cares at the SM Lanang Cinema 6 on Friday, July 28.

SM Cares conducted the forum in celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month with the goal to educate participants on natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and equip them with essential survival tips to prepare for these situations.

The forum also recognizes the capability of seniors and PWDs as leaders in their households and communities, especially in times of natural disasters.

SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo (center) together with guests and participants of the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

“Naniniwala po ang SM Cares na walang dapat maiwanan, may edad man o may kapansanan, pagdating sa kahandaan sa mga kalamidad. Sa pamamagitan ng Emergency Preparedness Forum na ito, tuturuan natin ang mga senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities ng iba’t-ibang survival tips na maghahanda sa kanila sa iba’t-ibang uri ng sakuna,” SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Bien Mateo said.

Among the guest speakers for the forum were Jeffrey Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Lolita Vinalay, Chief Meteorological Officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) Davao; and Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra.

Since the forum’s inception in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country. It has received accolades such as the Gold and Silver Awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards in 2020 and 2023, respectively. 

This initiative is part of SM Cares’ push to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

Disaster Management Specialist Dr. Ted Esguerra discussing survival tips for senior citizens and PWDs at the Emergency Preparedness Forum conducted by SM Cares at SM Lanang on July 28.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include programs for the environment, PWDs, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, senior citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. (PR)

SM Cares launched Emergency Preparedness Forum, making PWDs, Seniors disaster-ready

Emergency Preparedness

SM Cares launched Emergency Preparedness Forum, making PWDs, Seniors disaster-ready

Highlights during the Emergency Preparedness Forum on July 5, 2023

In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares recently launched this year’s Emergency Preparedness Forum for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The first of eight forums was held last July 5, Wednesday, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Prior to the forum, a pledge of commitment signing was held between SM Supermalls and its partner organizations. Present at the signing were SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Asst. General Manager Atty. Victor Trinidad, National Commission of Senior Citizens Chairperson Atty. Franklin M. Quijano, and National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Joniro F. Fredejas.

(L-R) SM Markets AVP Rey Del Valle, UPRI Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, NCDA Executive Director Don Fradejas, NCSC Chairperson Atty. Frank Quijano, OCD Administrator and NDRRMC Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno, SM Supermalls SVP and SM Cares Director of Program for Persons with Disabilities Engr. Bien C. Mateo, MMDA Acting Asst. General Manager Atty Vic Trinidad, PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez, and PAGASA OIC Administrator Esperanza Cayanan, during the Pledge of Commitment signing.

Meanwhile, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Loren Legarda, as well as Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, gave special video messages addressed to the forum’s attendees.

Disaster Management Specialist Doki Natividad teaching a PWD delegate the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique without using mouth-to-mouth breathing

Aside from being signatories, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) OIC Administrator Dr. Esperanza O. Cayanan, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Senior Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey S. Perez, and University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay shared their insights and observations in a panel discussion on understanding natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and how to prepare for such situations.

Disaster Management Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician, and Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines Instructor Gerard “Doki” Natividad was also invited to share survival tips and tricks tailored to the needs of the attendees.

Participants in the forum were provided an SM Emergency Pack, which consists of an emergency string bag, a 4mm rope, an emergency blanket, a whistle with lanyard, a mini-flashlight, and a survival tool card. Earthquake and flood simulators were also prepared by PAGASA and DOST to add to the participants’ learning experience.

“In preparing for emergencies and calamities, SM Cares believes that no one should be left behind. That is what inspires us to continue mounting this Emergency Preparedness Forum,” said Mateo. “Our goal is to empower our senior citizens and PWDs with the essential survival skills and know-how so that they will be ready for any circumstance.”

Delegates from Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.

Senior citizen attendees pose for a photo op with their SM Cares emergency go-bags

Since the forum first began in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country since the forum’s conception, and was awarded Gold in 2020 and Silver in 2023 at the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards.

This initiative shows SM Cares’ support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit http://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares./PR

DOST-PHIVOLCS Introduces Its First Cluster Center for Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring

DOST-PHIVOLCS Introduces Its First Cluster Center for Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will inaugurate the PHIVOLCS Mindanao Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami (PMCMCET) on Friday, September 24 at 1:30PM via Zoom. The ceremony will be facilitated through the InfoSentro sa PHIVOLCS online press conference.

The PMCMCET is located within the Southern Mindanao Campus of the Philippine Science High School in Mintal, Davao City. As a backup site for the PHIVOLCS DRC, it is capable of issuing and disseminating earthquake and tsunami information to the public. The cluster center also manages the earthquake and tsunami monitoring stations in Mindanao, consisting of nine (9) staff-controlled seismic stations, 18 satellite-telemetered seismic stations, and 12 sea-level detection stations and its tsunami alerting stations. Furthermore, PMCMCET provides ease among technical personnel of the Mindanao stations and PHIVOLCS Main Office in implementing programmed activities and coordinating an integrated response during emergencies in Mindanao.

The establishment of the cluster center in the Davao Seismic Station is one of the Institute’s strategies to ensure service continuity of its national earthquake and tsunami monitoring operations in cases of major disruptions in key operations of the PHIVOLCS Data Receiving Center (DRC) in Quezon City.

The virtual activity will include messages from DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., and PHIVOLCS Deputy Director Teresito C. Bacolcol will grace the event.