Negros Occidental will host the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) three-day “Handa Pilipinas – Visayas” resilience fair from October 27 to 29, showcasing science-based technologies and innovations designed to help local governments build smarter and safer communities.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, October 21, DOST–Negros Island Region Director Rowen Gelonga said Handa Pilipinas serves as a platform for science-based disaster solutions, emphasizing that communities must “anchor resiliency on the use of technology and innovation.”
He added that the fair, with the theme “Padayon Visayas: STI for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas,” aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, awareness, and capability among local government units (LGUs) and communities across the Visayas through the use of science, technology, and innovation (STI).
Gelonga said the event will also involve the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, which are part of the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR).
He also urged all LGUs to take part in the annual fair and adopt science-based solutions.
Negros Occidental DOST Officer-in-Charge Glady Reyes said the fair will feature adaptable technologies that LGUs can customize based on their exposure to hazards.
She added that the event will highlight best practices and DRRM strategies from LGUs and national agencies, along with exhibits featuring innovations in nutrition, smart warning systems, communication tools, and startup-driven disaster response technologies.
Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Irene Bel Ploteña said the event will help LGUs strengthen the prevention and mitigation components of their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans.
Government officials, scientists, innovators, educators, students, and media practitioners will join a series of conferences and activities, including the Brains and Breakthroughs Quiz Bowl for elementary and high school students.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) will also conduct sessions focusing on earthquakes, volcanic hazards, tsunamis, and hydrometeorological threats.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.