MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s Office, the Office of Civil Defense, and the provincial government of Bukidnon, organized a comprehensive four-day workshop focused on enhancing the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Contingency Plans

To elevate existing local DRRM plans, particularly in tackling threats like landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) convened the four-day contingency planning at Hotel de Susana in Valencia City.

This collaborative effort shall empower Bukidnon’s two cities and 20 municipalities by equipping them to develop or enhance their contingency strategies on DRRM.

These strategies encompass a spectrum of innovative technologies, including data analysis, hazard identification, early warning systems, modeling and simulation, risk assessment, communication and coordination, response planning, and infrastructure resilience. These aspects play a crucial role in crafting effective contingency plans.

“There is no such thing as natural disasters; they are, in fact, natural hazards,” affirmed DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during a press conference held during the four-day DRRM event in Valencia City.

The event’s prime goal is the upgrading and enhancement of current local DRRM plans, specifically in addressing risks posed by natural hazards.

The Contingency Planning seeks to integrate DOST technologies for application by local government units (LGUs) in risk reduction undertakings such as prevention and mitigation.

Meanwhile, DOST announced the upcoming Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) training this September.

The CDRA is a tool for studying and assessing risks and vulnerabilities of exposed elements associated with natural hazards and climate change. It will be merged into the Comprehensive Land Use Plans of the LGUs.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. holds a press conference, which is part of the four-day DRRM event in Valencia City, emphasizing the science and technology’s crucial roles in creating effective contingency plans such as data collection and analysis, hazard identification, early warning systems, modeling and simulation, risk assessment, communication, resources allocation, training and education, response planning, and infrastructure resilience. (BGE/PIA-Bukidnon)