Tacloban: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will showcase technologies designed to help communities become smarter and more sustainable during the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) on July 15 to 17.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Oca±a highlighted that one of the main attractions of RSTW is an exhibit at Robinsons North Tacloban. The exhibit will present the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation across multiple sectors. At least 20 exhibitors will feature a diverse range of displays, including cutting-edge technologies, research outputs, and innovative products developed by DOST agencies, academic institutions, local government units, and industry partners.
'Through these interactive exhibits, participants gain firsthand experience of scientific and technological innovations, fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration for regional development and community resilience,' Oca±a told the Philippine News Agency. In addition to the exhibits, the event will include science and innovation sessions focused on food security and sustainability, community resilience, sustainable energy, and emerging digital innovations.
Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the 841-hectare eco-tourism site Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in Basey, Samar. This tour aims to showcase applications of science and technology in communities, providing insights into sustainable livelihood practices and promoting knowledge exchange on how natural resources and local innovations contribute to regional development.
The event will also promote the use of GeoRiskPH, a web-based platform that provides hazard, exposure, and risk information to support land-use planning, infrastructure development, and disaster risk reduction. Another highlight will be Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), which offers detailed flood, rainfall, and hazard information that local governments can use to strengthen early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.
To improve public access to weather and hazard information, the agency is also promoting the PANaHON app from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. This app provides real-time weather forecasts, rainfall updates, tropical cyclone advisories, and location-based hazard alerts, enabling communities to make informed decisions before and during severe weather events.
Additionally, RSTW will encourage the use of HunterPH, a digital platform for collecting and visualizing geospatial and environmental data. This platform supports evidence-based planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster assessment at the local level. For the agriculture sector, DOST will showcase the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) program, which provides climate information, crop advisories, drought monitoring, and decision-support tools to help farmers improve productivity while adapting to changing weather conditions.
RSTW is an annual event aligned with the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week celebration. It serves as DOST's platform to promote the adoption, commercialization, and practical use of technologies by showcasing innovative products and services developed by the scientific community.
