The Negros Island Region (NIR) will host the 2025 Handa Pilipinas – Visayas leg here, a three-day event that will highlight the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in strengthening disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).
Set on Oct. 27 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod, the conference, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – NIR, in collaboration with the Negros Occidental provincial government, is themed “Padayon Visayas: STI for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas.”
Handa Pilipinas is part of the national campaign of the DOST to strengthen public awareness, promote collaboration, and build resilient and sustainable communities across the Philippines.
In an interview on Tuesday, DOST-Negros Occidental Director Allan Francis Dara-ug said the gathering would serve as a valuable platform to share best practices, enhance coordination, and reinforce the collective commitment to building safer and more resilient communities.
“The Negros Occidental provincial government has expressed its strong intent to host this important event, in light of the current activity of Kanlaon Volcano and the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience,” he said.
The Handa Pilipinas – Visayas will showcase the best practices and strategies in DRRM from various local government units and national government agencies.
It will also feature disaster preparedness exhibits and a conference that will gather government leaders, scientists, innovators, educators, students, and media practitioners.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology will spearhead the #Maghanda sessions, featuring in-depth lectures on earthquakes, volcanic hazards, tsunamis, and hydro-meteorological hazards.
“We will also engage the youth through a pitching competition for college students and a quiz bowl for elementary and high school students to promote disaster awareness and innovation among the younger generation,” Dara-ug said.
In a press statement, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., who will deliver the keynote speech at the start of the conference, said the Visayas region is among the hazard-exposed regions in the country.
“Preparedness is not just a program; it is a way of life. Through Handa Pilipinas, we aim to ensure that the tools of science and technology reach every community that needs them most,” he said.
Other event highlights are the signing of an agreement between the DOST and the Department of the Interior and Local Government; the official handover of the Handa Pilipinas guidebook, exhibit modules, and water compendium; and the launch of Project Signal, a DOST project aimed at improving disaster preparedness in communities.