The Provincial Government of Quirino (PGQ), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Provincial Science Technology Office (PSTO) Quirino and Quirino State University (QSU), conducted the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) Technologies Summit, on September 26, 2024 at the Provincial Gymnasium, Capitol Hills, Cabarroguis.

The multi-event summit commenced with an opening ceremony where Ms. Jesusa N. Leal, Provincial DRRM Officer, acknowledged participants from various sectors. In her welcome remarks, Ms. Carmelita B. Jimenez, Provincial Administrator, emphasized the significance of leveraging technology to save lives and livelihoods. She said, “We are privileged to be part of the worthy event, to learn about innovations that will make us better equipped and prepared for calamites, and to engage in meaningful discussions and fora to make our communities always prepared.”

Hon. Babylyn G. Reyes, Acting Vice-Governor, introduced Engr. Socrates F. Paat, Jr., DOST PAGASA Northern Luzon Regional Director and Weather Services Chief as guest speaker. In his talk, RD Paat, Jr. shared the crucial role of the DOST-PAGASA weather stations in monitoring weather patterns and analyzing atmospheric data, essential for the safety of the people. He announced that the weather station in Cabarroguis is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Further, Dr. Rocela Angelica B. Gorospe, DOST Provincial Director, gave the rationale of the event and shared its highlight- the launching of “Handa Quirino sa Bagong Pilipinas Exhibit and Fora” which is the localized flagship program of the DOST “2024 Handa Pilipinas.” Themed “Paglalahad ng Kahusayan, Katatagan, at Pagkakaisa sa Bagong Pilipinas, ” the program sought to showcase cutting-edge technologies developed by DOST and its partner agencies; facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among DRRM stakeholders; raise awareness on the importance of investing in DRRM technologies and promote the adoption and scaling up of DRRM innovations nationwide.

Several experts delivered lectures on various topics related to DRRM and CCA: Mr. Romeo B. Ganal, Sr. Weather Specialist of NL PRSD-PAGASA, spoke about Community Hazards, Risk and Early Warnings; Mr. John Leo Fajardo, GIS Specialist, delivered a talk on Risk and Vulnerability Assessment; For. Arnel Martin, Chief of the Technical Services Division, discussed about Preparedness and the Leaders Initiative for Safety and Transformative Operation (LISTO) Program; and Ms. Michelle Angelie B. Puyat, Civil Defense Officer II, shared about LGUs’ Response Capability and Inter-Operability Mechanism.

After the showcase of best practices on disaster and risk management by the Municipal and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDMRRMC and LDMRRMC), Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, DOST Regional Director, introduced Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. DOST Secretary) as the event’s keynote speaker.

The lecture of Sec. Solidum, Jr. centered on three core messages: redefine Filipino resilience- resilience should become a way of life; understand hazards and risks – people’s disaster imagination with the right science and behavior can lead to timely and effective disaster responses; and utilize science and technology as solutions.

In a video message, Hon. Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua and Hon. Cong. Midy N. Cua expressed their pride in Quirino’s unity in pursuing shared prosperity and in advocating preparedness through Handa Quirino sa Bagong Pilipinas Program. They conveyed their gratitude to the DOST, Hon. Chairman Junie E. Cua, Hon. Julius Caesar “Jojo” S. Vaquilar, mayors, barangay officials, in their participation to the event. Gov. Cua encouraged, “Magkaisa po tayong lahat laban sa sakuna.”

In the same event, the Provincial Government of Quirino received an award of 18 million pesos for the procurement of a Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) and for its DRRM initiatives.

Additionally, Sec. Solidum Jr., led the conferment ceremony for 40 graduates who completed the recently held GeoriskPH Training. Concurrent with the ongoing talks and launches, a showcase of innovative DRRM technologies developed by state universities in the region was also held at the entrance of the venue. The event continued with the launch of the LISTO Program, where 803 volunteers from all the barangays took an oath to support and implement DRRM initiatives at the grassroots level.

The summit culminated in a festive Stakeholders’ Night hosted by Quirino State University, celebrating the collaborative efforts and partnerships forged during the event. Sec. Solidum Jr. and Dr. Gorospe joined the QSU Faculty and Staff Band in a performance. Quirino’s DRRM and CCA Summit has laid the groundwork for a more disaster-resilient future for the province.

|QIO with President Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr.