DOST: Disaster innovation to transform PH from victims to victors

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that a “whole-of-society approach” is needed to make Philippine communities more disaster-resilient and sustainable.

“We need to take a firm stand and commitment to reduce our vulnerabilities and make our own redefined and reimagined Filipino brand of resilience. And we cannot do that alone. We need the whole of society to make our vision of safer, adaptive, climate and disaster-resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development a reality,” Solidum said.

The DOST chief made the statement on the opening of the 2023 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition for the Mindanao Leg in Cagayan de Oro City on October 4.

The event will showcase disaster risk and reduction inventions that will aid communities in preparedness and response.

Solidum likewise said that innovation will transform Filipinos from victims of natural calamities to victors.

“Although, we Filipinos are often known as victims of disasters. Today, with our innovations, we become victors. Filipinnovation represents how knowledge drives innovation, innovation drives productivity, and productivity drives economic growth,” Solidum said.

“But it is also an evolution of how Filipinos are not merely managing disasters, instead managing disaster risks, not only surviving disasters but instead creating solutions to face it, emerging as victors,” he added.

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