Los Baños, Philippines, September 15, 2014 – To better equip responders and managers of disaster programs in Laguna, a technology forum on disaster preparedness and management was held at the NCAS Auditorium, UPLB Campus on September 11.
The forum titled “Handa KNB sa oras ng kalamidad,” was part of the SyenSaya 2014, a three-day celebration in line with the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration in Los Baños, Laguna.
SyenSaya 2014 was organized by the Los Baños Science and Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI), an organization which fosters the spirit of sharing of resources and expertise among research agencies in Los Baños.
Barangay captains and councilors of Los Baños’ 14 barangays as well as representatives of volunteer groups and LBSCFI member agencies participated in the forum.
Deviating from the regular agricultural technologies as topics, the forum on disaster preparedness which was held for the first time, addresses climate change and the intensified natural disasters it has brought in the country. In 2012, the World Risk Index ranked the Philippines as third in terms of disaster risk and exposure to natural hazards.
Bernadeth Lucillo, PAGASA Weather Specialist at the National Agrometeorological Station, PAGASA-UPLB, opened the forum proper with the hydrometeorological profile of Los Baños, Laguna. She shared the station’s experiences during typhoons that devastated Laguna including typhoon Milenyo and Glenda. Lucillo also briefed attendees with the maximum and minimum temperature the town can experience as well as the amount of rainfall during rainy season.
On the other hand, Elvis Cruz, Assistant Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense of Region IV-A, discussed RA 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010. The Act intends to establish a more proactive way of managing and reducing disasters instead of just providing disaster relief. The national and local government, civil society, and the community were identified as key players in the implementation of the Act. .
Lastly, Martin Imatong, LGU Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM) consultant, talked about lessons for barangays in Los Baños in times of calamities. He highlighted the importance of tools in predicting disasters, including alarm and warning system, flood forecasting and monitoring, geohazard mappings, comprehensive land use, engineering interventions, and flood control structures, among others.
The forum wrapped up with a ceremonial wall signing by the participants as a sign of their commitment to improve disaster risk reduction and management programs in Los Baños.
Held annually, SyenSaya, also known as Los Baños Science Festival, adopts “Los Baños Science Community: Supporting the nation in meeting global challenges” as this year’s theme.
One of the festival’s main goals is to promote Los Baños as a premiere science tourism destination.