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.

Exhibit on Sustainability and Resiliency Programs showcased at SM City Davao

Sustainability and Resiliency programs

DOST XI and SM Prime Holdings Showcase Sustainability and Resiliency Programs thru Mall Exhibit

The SM Prime Holdings in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) launched an exhibit last February 24, 2022 at SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City and will run til March this year.

Dubbed as “Connecting Today to Tomorrow”, the exhibit featured DOST’s initiatives such as disaster relief goods, hazard and risk assessment tools, and disaster risk reduction monitoring and warning systems.

“We are proud of our achievements, committed to our ongoing sustainability and resiliency initiatives, and motivated to continue, improve, and be involved. Individually and collectively, we can make real and powerful differences today, and for the future generation,” said DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III.

Dr. Sales highlighted the flagship programs of DOST XI such as Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST), Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND), and other projects and programs which are deployed as Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) tools and solutions to build smart and resilient MSMEs and communities.

He also mentioned the environmental initiatives of DOST XI like the Vertical Helophyte Filter System (VHFS), a low-cost and nature-based secondary wastewater treatment technology and sustainable water resource management tool which has been deployed in various communities nationwide.

SM Prime Holdings presented their sustainability and resilience programs anchored in energy efficiency, water resource management, waste management, biodiversity, supporting communities, and disaster risk reduction during the exhibit. “With the Philippines being one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the world, we Filipinos must be even more proactive in creating solutions to this global problem, “ said SM Supermalls Vice President for Mindanao Operations Mr. Oliver John R. Tiu.

Dir. Sales and Mr. Tiu, together with SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager Engr. Jonathan Nick D. Santos, PIA XI Deputy Regional Head Ms. Frances Mae Macapagat, and representatives from DENR XI, PIA XI, and Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), led the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center.