Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo declared that the Department’s recently concluded “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” or INAP:S4SC – an information and education campaign for disaster preparedness, should be a regular activity.

“New outputs should be shared with the local government units (LGUs). Maybe next time, our theme will be “Science for Richer Communities” in order to improve livelihood in communities,” Sec. Montejo suggested.

The DOST Secretary made his remark during the press conference for the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) which opened last July 24 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex.

From March to May 2014, INAP:S4SC toured all 17 regions of the Philippines in order to make local executives and disaster risk reduction managers aware of their areas’ hazard risks, appropriate ways to manage these hazards, and available science-based tools for early warning and early action against disasters. These include DOST’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) website, flood hazard maps by the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation or DREAM project, PAGASA website, and others.

During the open forum, the Department also highlighted the many benefits gained during INAP:S4SC.

“So many LGUs have been inquiring for additional details about our forecasts. That’s a good start. We plan to mount other activities for the rest of the year. With the new lessons learned, we will incorporate these so when we go back to the regions, they’ll learn something new from us,” DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro revealed during the press conference.

When asked about the benefits of DOST’s initiatives, Montejo disclosed that all of the DOST knowledge products are being developed with top-of-mind awareness of the need to provide Filipinos with varied choices to enhance their quality of life and improve the income-generating capacity of small, medium, and large enterprises.

“The just completed INAP was very productive as we gathered a lot of insights. We need feedback on the INAP, not only the positive but also the negative so we can also improve our communication to media of our knowledge products. This way, the benefits will trickle down to the ordinary Filipino,” stated Montejo.

An annual event of DOST, NSTW features interactive exhibits, product displays, actual demonstrations of technical and laboratory services, launchings, discussions, contests and awardings. With the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Meeting Global Challenges”, this year’s celebration showcases the Department’s various innovative products like the Pinggang Pinoy diet and nutrition tool, the light sports plane with removable wings, and Project NOAH, among others.

NSTW will run until July 28. Admission is free. For more information, log on to http://nstw.dost.gov.ph or call 8372191 to 95. (S&T Media Service)