27/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII, through the Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO Leyte), conducted seminars on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Hydro-Meteorological Hazards on August 24, 2026, in Baybay City, Leyte.
The activities were conducted as part of the implementation of the DOST Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program in the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baybay under the project titled โSupport to Community Empowerment Initiatives in Baybay City, Leyte through InCREST.โ The seminars aimed to strengthen the participantsโ awareness of disaster risks and provide them with relevant science-based information and tools that can support preparedness and informed decision-making.
Mr. Sherwin O. Macantan of the DOST Regional Office served as the resource person for the Community-Based DRRM Seminar. He discussed the importance of understanding hazards and risks at the community level and strengthening preparedness measures. He also highlighted HazardHunterPH, a tool that provides hazard information for specific locations and can support communities in identifying potential risks and making informed decisions.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lorenn Laurente of DOST-PAGASA served as the resource person for the Seminar on Hydro-Meteorological Hazards. She discussed various weather- and climate-related hazards and emphasized the importance of monitoring reliable and timely weather information, particularly in preparing for potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Ms. Laurente also introduced the PANAHON mobile application, highlighting its features and advantages in providing accessible weather and climate information. The application was presented as a useful tool that communities can utilize to monitor weather conditions and support preparedness and decision-making.
The activities were attended by various community members and stakeholders from LGU Baybay. Through the seminars, participants were given the opportunity to enhance their understanding of disaster risks while learning about available science and technology tools that can help communities prepare for and respond to hazards.
Through the CEST Program, DOST continues to empower communities by providing relevant science, technology, and innovation interventions that address local needs and contribute to building safer, more informed, and resilient communities.