DOST brings digital technologies to 24 city and municipal disaster managers in Cavite
July was marked as the National Disaster Resiliency Month and with this, the Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) took this opportunity to hold the Technology Opportunity Seminar (TechOpS) on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) technologies for the 24 city and municipal DRRM officers in Cavite.
This initiative, held last 29 June 2021, was made possible through the efforts of the Provincial Science and Technology Center in Cavite (DOST-Cavite) in collaboration with the Batangas State University (BatStateU). The activity featured the latest DOST-developed online travel management system called the Safe, Swift & Smart Passage (S-PaSS), the BatStateU’s tsunami early warning system, and the Solar Isotropic Generator of Acoustic Wave (SIGAW).
DOST-Cavite Provincial Director, Engr. Raul D. Castañeda, encouraged the participants from Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cavite to make use of the mentioned technologies to improve disaster preparedness and response.
Furthermore, Castañeda cited other entry points for collaboration, especially in bringing S&T interventions and innovations to strengthen DRRM initiatives in keeping communities safe during calamities.
S-PaSS
The S-PaSS, developed by the DOST-VI in response to travel concerns due to the pandemic, facilitates the “safe, swift, and smart” coordination of travels. Kevin Brian B. Paris of the DOST-CALABARZON Management Information System explained that the technology, accessible at https://s-pass.ph/, allows users to determine travel restrictions and requirements in their place of destination prior to their travel. Through the S-PaSS, LGUs may also easily communicate their travel guidelines and monitor incoming travelers and their travel histories.
SIGAW
SIGAW, on the other hand, warns seaside residents of approaching tsunami through a siren and text messages. Engr. Albertson D. Amante, Vice President for the BatStateU Research Development and Extension Services, explained that the technology receives valuable information from the DOST – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology System (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and readily transmits the same to registered mobile numbers in the SIGAW system.
Driven by its maxim to innovate and make a difference, the DOST-CALABARZON remains active in disseminating information on responsive technologies, more so during this time of the pandemic. Activities such as the TechOpS are envisioned to spread awareness and expand the use of S&T innovations for the betterment of communities. To bring S&T such as S-PaSS and SIGAW closer to your community, email pstccavitedost@gmail.com.
