On July 27-29, 2023, HANDA Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition 2023 (Luzon Leg) was successfully conducted at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, coinciding with the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month observed annually every July.
The first day of the event opened with a ceremony attended by different stakeholders both from the public and private sectors, as well as those at the forefront of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and climate change adaptability (CCA) in the country.
Image: One of the forums during Day 1 of the HANDA Pilipinas Exposition 2023
(grabbed from HANDA Pilipinas Facebook page)
The exhibit also officially showcased different technologies and innovations on disaster rehabilitation and recovery, response, preparedness, and prevention and mitigation. Local innovators from Luzon also showcased their technologies in the exhibit.
Simultaneous fora on disasters for megacities and reverse pitching of Local Government Units (LGUs) to research and development institutions to address gaps in DRRM and CCA were also conducted in the afternoon.
Photo: Engr. Labuntog of EAL Technologies, Inc., an Ateneo Blue Nest Incubator, demonstrating his invention, the Portable Water Treatment Device
Experts and innovators showcased their ideas and technologies in disaster readiness during the three-day exhibition. Two of our startups, Envisense Scientific, Inc. and EAL Technologies, Inc. showcased their technologies during the three-day exposition. Envisense Scientific showcased a wireless sensor network which aims to provide real-time water level and water quality monitoring of groundwater in several cities nationwide. EAL Technologies, on the other hand, demonstrated the use of the portable water treatment device, which has the capacity to quickly purify various water sources during emergencies, even flood water, making it safe to drink.
These technologies have drawn the interest of various sectors, especially those from the DRRM LGUs and other government agencies, and expressed great interest for the adoption of the product.
Through interactive exhibits and forums, this three-day national event highlighted DOST-developed technological innovations in disaster risk reduction and response. It has raised stakeholders' awareness of the technologies that can be used in mitigating, preparing for, and responding to hazards.
Photo: Receiving the certificate of participation for two of AIPO’s start-ups, Envisense and EAL Technologies, Inc. during the closing ceremonies
The said activity was attended by DOST regional and provincial offices together with various sectors such as Metro Manila LGUs (including their DRRM Offices, public information offices, planning, city social welfare and development, health offices, and barangay DRRRMs), national and regional government agencies, the Metro Manila DRRM Council (MMDRRMC), volunteer organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), academe, media, and other private sectors.
Such an event was a great opportunity to strengthen collaboration among these entities and push forward a more ready and resilient Philippines. Moreover, it also showed that Filipino ingenuity and creativity can indeed, save lives.
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