Technologies developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) were presented to three (3) communities in Pres. Roxas, Capiz.

As part of the implementation of DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, technologies such as the Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS), TANDEM or the combined WLMS and rain gauge, and the Strategic Incident Georeferencing for Nationwide Alertness or SIGNAL were introduced and discussed to participants coming from Brgy. Ibaca, Brgy. Bayuyan, and Brgy. Badiangon, Pres. Roxas, Capiz.

The WLMS and TANDEM are technologies developed by DOST-Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) which are used to gauge rainfall and water level.  Most commonly, these devices are also called Hydrometeorological or HydroMet devices. The use of these technologies in the barangays will assist in preparing for heavy rain and flooding as well as increase disaster preparedness awareness among community members.

Through the CEST project, an additional WLMS and TANDEM units both with high-gain antenna will be installed in Brgy. Badiangon and Brgy. Bayuyan, respectively. With the proposed installation, the basic maintenance of a HydroMet station was also presented, highlighting the  importance of regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and practice of safety protocols.  In order for the participants to appreciate the existing technologies, they had an onsite visit to the HydroMet Station at Aranguel Bridge in Pres. Roxas.

Moreover, DOST VI DRRM personnel presented the DOST VI developed Project SIGNAL or Strategic Incident Georeferencing for Nationwide Alertness. SIGNAL is an online unified communication platform for reporting critical incidents and disastrous events for proper response and monitoring of government agencies.

Aside from the orientations about the above-mentioned technologies, a seminar on DRMM was also conducted focusing on the different types of natural and man-made hazards including earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and fires.  Additionally, it included topics on the ways in which communities can prepare and respond to these hazards including search and rescue, first aid, the use of emergency equipment, and the different phases of post-disaster recovery.  The DOST VI DRRMU Team also discussed the development of a disaster preparedness plan which is an essential factor to minimize the impact of disasters.

The activity was led by the DOST Capiz Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) and attended by personnel from the DRRM Office in the municipality and Brgy. Bayuyan and Brgy. Badiangon.

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For more information about DOST’s programs and services here in Western Visayas, reach out to us through the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in your province: https://old-website.dost6.ph/contact-us/