How Filipinos can turn from disaster victims to victors through science and innovation
By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII, DOST Media Service
Mindanao has faced several major disasters in the past decade, such as Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, severe El Niño effects from 2015 to 2016, earthquakes in 2019, and heavy rainfall-related incidents in 2022. These events caused by natural hazards have claimed many lives and damaged properties. But does that mean that disasters are inevitable?
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. challenged this notion in his keynote speech at the opening of the 2023 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Exposition for the Mindanao Leg with the theme, “Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability for Mindanao” held on October 04, 2023 at the Limkektai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
"Disasters are not natural. They are the result of our failure to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, and prepare for natural hazards. They are the consequence of our lack of use of scientific information to guide our planning, decision making, and action. They are the outcome of our poor coordination and collaboration in responding to their impacts," said Secretary Solidum.
He explained that building resilience is crucial for Mindanao, as disasters can undo the progress made in development. He said that as Mindanao strives to boost its economy, it also needs to protect its resources and wealth from climate and disaster risks.
He also pointed out that the Philippines remains the most vulnerable country in terms of natural hazards and climate change. According to the World Risk Report 2023, the Philippines ranked first among 193 countries for the second consecutive year. Climate change is increasing the intensity and uncertainty of existing hazard events, affecting the most vulnerable communities disproportionately.
"But we also have an opportunity to change this narrative. We need to take a firm stand and commitment to reduce our vulnerabilities and create our own Filipino brand of resilience. And we cannot do that alone. We need the whole-of-society to make our vision of safer, adaptive, climate and disaster-resilient Filipino communities towards sustainable development a reality," said Sec. Solidum.
He added that the Philippines, known as an archipelago of risks, has experienced many disasters in Mindanao. Some of the notable ones are Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, which killed over 1000 people and affected nearly 700,000 people; El Niño from 2015 to 2016, which caused states of calamity in areas like Maguindanao and Cotabato City; a series of earthquakes in 2019, which caused significant damage; and heavy rainfall in 2022, which led to fatal incidents in Maguindanao del Norte, highlighting the region's vulnerability.
"However, we Filipinos are not just victims of disasters. Today, with our innovations, we can become victors. Filipinnovation shows how knowledge drives innovation, innovation drives productivity
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