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By Geraldine Ducusin


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“We don’t see secretaries here in Ilocos as often as you,”  Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc said, referring to Rene Solidum, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the HANDA Pilipinas 2024 Luzon leg in Ilocos Norte.

Manotoc said that he’s been a governor for five years and in the last two years, Ilocos has felt the programs of DOST in Ilocos. He assured DOST of his support and he commended Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, DOST 1 Regional Director for persistently reaching out to him.

“We’re grateful that you’re our regional director,” Manotoc said to Tabaog whom he described as very effective and dynamic.

Manotoc reiterated Solidum’s message in the past where the latter said that the most important thing is for the science and technology services to be cascaded so it will reach the people.

“We want to maximize science.With the increasing danger in climate change, our best weapon is S&T,” Manotic added.
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Recognizing the development in S&T, Manotoc cited that DOST technologies address climate and disaster problems on the ground and he also expressed gratitude to the local leaders of the provinces of Ilocos and the others, and assured them of the support of his office.

Heads of local governments from different parts of Luzon and some national government offices including Office of the Civil Defense and Department of Interior, Local Government (DILG), and Philippines Information Agency gather for a three-day event as HANDA PILIPINAS Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Luzon leg kicks off today at Plaza Del Norte, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. DOST-TAPI managed this year’s HANDA, in collaboration with DOST-Regions I who hosted the Luzon leg, VII, VIII and X, and other government agencies (TAPI news service).

By Geraldine Ducusin


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“I urge you to keep in mind the importance of collaboration and cooperation to build a more resilient and sustainable future.” -  Michael Marcos Keon, Mayor

Mayor Keon said as he welcomed local government leaders in the Luzon leg of HANDA Pilipinas, after recounting the story of how their province learned from past disasters how vulnerable they are. Keon acknowledged the dedication and contribution of Filipino scientists, innovators, inventors, and academe in coming up with technologies that truly contribute to LGUs resilience and ability to overcome disasters.

Sancho Mabborang, Undersecretary for Regional Operations, DOST said that technologies being showcased at HANDA are not just tools. They are beacons of hope as each innovation represents counters hours of dedication and research from assessment tools to clinical tools.

 “We’re witnessing human creativity and perseverance…It is at these times that technologies make a difference between devastation and recovery.”

Among the technologies exhibited at HANDA Pilipinas 2024 is the unsinkable water ambulance designed by Filipino Inventor Ronald Pagsanghan, one of the inventors Department of Science and Technology -Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

Heads of local governments from different parts of Luzon and some national government offices including the Office of the Civil Defense and Department of Interior, Local Government (DILG), and Philippines Information Agency gather for a three-day event as HANDA PILIPINAS Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Luzon leg kicks off today at Plaza Del Norte, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. DOST-TAPI managed this year’s HANDA, in collaboration with DOST-Regions I who hosted the Luzon Leg, VII, VIII, and X, and other government agencies (TAPI news service).HANDALaoag003

Ronald Pagsanghan, inventor of unsinkable water ambulance discussing the technology with Laoag Vice Mayor Rey Carlos V. Fariñas.