DOST Eastern Visayas Showcases Smart Innovations for Sustainable Communities at Science Week
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to highlight community-driven innovations aimed at building smarter and more sustainable communities during the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) from July 15 to 17.
DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña shared that one of the key highlights of the event is a technology exhibit at Robinsons North Tacloban, featuring the latest breakthroughs in science, technology, and innovation across multiple sectors.
The exhibit will bring together at least 20 participants, presenting a wide array of innovations, including advanced technologies, research outputs, and practical solutions developed by DOST agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and industry partners.
“Through these interactive exhibits, participants gain firsthand experience of scientific and technological innovations, fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration for regional development and community resilience,” Ocaña said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
In addition to the exhibits, the event will host a series of science and innovation sessions focused on building food-secure, resilient, and adaptive communities, as well as exploring sustainable energy and emerging digital technologies.
Participants will also visit the 841-hectare Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar, where they will witness how science and technology are applied in eco-tourism and community-based development initiatives.
“The project visit provides firsthand insights into sustainable livelihood practices and demonstrates how natural resources and local innovations contribute to inclusive and sustainable regional development,” Ocaña added.
The event will further promote the use of GeoRiskPH, a web-based platform that provides critical hazard, exposure, and risk data to support land-use planning, infrastructure development, and disaster risk reduction.
DOST will also feature Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), which delivers detailed information on flooding, rainfall, and other hazards, enabling local governments to strengthen early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and emergency response.
To enhance public access to weather and hazard information, the agency is promoting the PANaHON mobile application developed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The app provides real-time weather forecasts, rainfall updates, tropical cyclone advisories, and location-based hazard alerts to help communities make timely and informed decisions.
Another platform to be highlighted is HunterPH, a digital tool for collecting and visualizing geospatial and environmental data, supporting evidence-based planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster assessment at the local level.
For the agriculture sector, DOST will present the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) program, which offers climate information, crop advisories, drought monitoring, and decision-support tools to help farmers enhance productivity while adapting to changing climate conditions.
RSTW is an annual event held in line with the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week celebration. It serves as DOST’s platform to promote the adoption, commercialization, and practical application of technologies by showcasing innovative products and services developed by the country’s scientific community.
NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR
