Quezon City, 14 November 2023. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), participated in the 1st Annual Stakeholders Forum of the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change in the Philippines (SHIELD) Programme organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, with a theme ''Local Resilience in Action: Forging Alliances, Empowering Communities."

The SHIELD Programme is a multi-agency and multi-stakeholder initiative implemented by UNDP Philippines with consortium partners from civil society, private sector, and UN-Habitat, funded by the Australian Government, in collaboration with the DOST through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), among other government agencies. The Programme aims to support the Philippine Government in building institutional and community resilience to climate change, natural and other types of hazards, particularly in eleven (11) of the country’s most vulnerable provinces to disasters and climate change impacts, namely: Albay, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cagayan, Cebu, Davao Oriental, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Quezon.

The Forum was aimed at facilitating continuous learning and exchange among its stakeholders, and emphasizing the crucial role of local and national actors in creating secured, prepared, and resilient communities, and showcase innovations for resilience against disasters and climate change. DOST, as a leading government agency in science and technology, plays a crucial role in addressing SHIELD’s Outcome 3, which emphasizes the importance of generating tailored and accessible scientific information for Local Government Units (LGUs) and communities for local resilience action.

During the event, Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., in a pre-recorded message, affirmed DOST’s commitment to continue working together with national and local stakeholders, through the SHIELD Programme, in driving innovations and information for disasters and climate change.

Secretary Solidum delivers a message highlighting the role of DOST in bridging science and practice in disasters and climate change in service of the Filipino people. [Photo Courtesy of UNDP Philippines]

In his message, Secretary Solidum shared his aspirations for the Philippines to become the Gold Standard in Disaster and Climate Information Services. "As we continue our commitment in the SHIELD Programme, I envision that all components make science a valuable input to your resilience strategies. We want to be of-service to your programs and activities. Through our collaboration, we make science work,” said Secretary Solidum.

"Our collaboration in the SHIELD Programme is a manifestation that victims of disasters can also become victors.” he added. Secretary Solidum also explained that "When we recognize the power and influence of science, technology, and innovation, we realize that we are not powerless against hazards and risks. We believe that through STI, resilience is possible, and Filipinos can emerge as disaster victors, not disaster victims.”

In a keynote message, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan highlighted the importance of empowering local governments and communities to take an active role in building resilience at the local level. Meanwhile, OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) pivotal role in coordinating comprehensive strategies across various phases of disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. His emphasis on a collaborative, whole-of-government approach underscored the importance of unified efforts in addressing the complex challenges posed by natural and other types of hazards.

DOST Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Calzado, Jr. and DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol come together for a group photo with dignitaries from the UNDP Philippines, Australian Embassy, national government agencies, PLGUs, and LGUs. [Photo Courtesy of UNDP Philippines]

From L to R:  Mr. Paul Harrington, First Secretary for Development, Embassy of Australia, Asec. Rodolfo Calzado, Jr., DOST Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, Province of Agusan Del Norte, Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Australia, Usec. Marlo Iringan, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government, Governor Santiago Cane, Province of Agusan Del Sur, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative, Asec. Lilian De Leon, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations, Mr. Thanh Le, Counsellor for Development, Embassy of Australia. [Photo Courtesy of UNDP Philippines]

Representing Secretary Solidum during the event was DOST Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr. Also in attendance were DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, as SHIELD Component 3 lead, and DOST-PAGASA Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Dr. Shirley J. David.

Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Calzado, Jr. introduces Secretary Solidum who was one of the Forum’s keynote speakers. [Photo Courtesy of UNDP Philippines]

Assistant Secretary Calzado poses for a group photo with representatives from DOST-PAGASA, DOST-PHIVOLCS, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Unit (DOST-DRRCCU), and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation.

The DOST team, along with representatives from UNDP and UN-Habitat Philippines, poses for a celebratory photo after the Forum.