The Philippines can transform from being perceived as a disaster-prone nation into a resilient one – provided that science, technology, and innovation are fully integrated into national and local disaster preparedness efforts.
This was the resounding message of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. during the 2025 Post-SONA Discussions held Tuesday, July 29 in San Juan City.
Solidum highlighted the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. However, he emphasized that Filipinos have the capability to rise above these risks through science-backed strategies, innovation, and collective discipline.
“The Philippines is seen as a victim of calamities, climate change, and volcanic eruptions,” he said in Filipino.
“But through science, technology, innovation, and discipline – we Filipinos can become victors.”
Solidum laid out the DOST’s four-pillar approach to resilience: hazard identification, hazard monitoring, risk communication, and disaster response enhancement.
The first step, he explained, is recognizing hazards that may threaten communities – ranging from floods and landslides to tsunamis and volcanic activity. Through DOST agencies like PHIVOLCS and PAGASA, and in collaboration with academic institutions, the government is ramping up localized risk assessments.
The second component zeroes in on forecasting when disasters may strike. Solidum announced that the modernization of PAGASA and PHIVOLCS is well underway, with earthquake monitoring stations set to expand from 125 to 400 nationwide. Upgraded tsunami warning systems are also being rolled out.
A recent partnership with a US-based AI weather company, along with DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute and PAGASA, has significantly enhanced forecasting accuracy. Long-range forecasts have been extended from five to 14 days, utilizing hyper-local data and faster processing.
“People want to know what risks exist in their homes, malls, schools, or tourist sites,” Solidum noted, citing apps like Hazard Hunter. The app allows users to identify local hazards in under a minute using their mobile phones.
These tools are also available for local officials, enabling them to map barangay-level vulnerabilities and formulate inclusive recovery plans that consider the needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The Philippines, Solidum added, is the only country with an automated disaster recovery planning system – developed in partnership with the World Bank and the Office of Civil Defense.
The final pillar focuses on emergency readiness. Solidum highlighted the MOCCOV or Mobile Command and Control Vehicle, a high-tech unit equipped with satellite communications, weather instruments, rescue boats, and triage facilities for rapid deployment during emergencies.
To ensure survival essentials are met during calamities, Solidum said DOST has distributed 20 desalination units to island provinces. The agency also developed nutritious ready-to-eat food packs in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Linking climate action with disaster prevention, Solidum also discussed the importance of proper waste management.
“Flooding is largely worsened by waste,” he warned. “We must shift our mindset from seeing waste as trash to treating it as a resource.”
DOST is pushing for circular economy solutions that convert plastic and agricultural waste into value-added products – a move that not only mitigates environmental damage but also supports livelihood generation.
“We have many ongoing research projects on this,” he said. “It’s time we use science and innovation not just to survive disasters, but to thrive beyond them.”
Solidum’s remarks echoed the Marcos administration’s call for a “Bagong Pilipinas,” with science and innovation playing a central role in shaping a more resilient and empowered nation.
“With tools, cooperation, and discipline, Filipinos can protect their homes, strengthen their communities, and unlock opportunities in the face of disaster,” Solidum said.
“We are not helpless – we are capable.”