The Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) imparts Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)-related projects to the locals of Tubungan, Iloilo.

This was during the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) conduct of a community-based communication program entitled “Hinun-anon” wherein more than 100 participants were able to attend.

DOST VI was represented by Mr. Ryan Vilmor J. Dumpit, Head of the DRRM Unit. Mr. Dumpit presented about DOST VI-developed information systems such as the Safe, Swift and Smart Travel Management System or S-PaSS, Bantay Panahon, Strategic Incident Georeferencing for Nationwide Alertness or Project SIGNAL.

S-PaSS is a travel management system to monitor incoming travelers. The system was primarily developed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a communication and coordination platform for travelers and local government units (LGU).

Bantay Panahon, on the other hand, is an online portal where users can monitor the weather conditions in Western Visayas. Data reflected on the Bantay Panahon portal are sourced from the different agro-meteorological equipment such as rain gauges, weather stations and water level monitoring sensors deployed across the region.

The Strategic Incident Georeferencing for Nationwide Alertness or Project SIGNAL, however, is an online system for reporting hazards and emergencies. This project was conceptualized in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 6 and the Office of Civil Defense 6 (OCD 6).

Additionally, Hazard Hunter PH was also presented to the participants which is an online information system developed by the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Other agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) also presented their respective programs and services during the activity.