DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. posted "Does survival imply resilience?" during the opening ceremony of the "2024 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Resilience" Luzon leg at the Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on July 3.

Solidum said that Filipinos have always been portrayed as resilient during disasters, characterized by having a pleasant disposition in the face of hazards, but does that mean resiliency?

The Philippines is prone to various hazards, as Region 1 (Ilocos Region) alone is prone to the passage of tropical cyclones and floods. Solidum explained that the region is also exposed to strong earthquakes.

"We want to express our aspiration to become a community, a region, a country that is ready and prepared against hazards," Solidum declared.

He added that through this exposition, the public awareness toward knowledge in natural hazards and the latest technologies is heightened.

Filipinos are portrayed smiling after any disaster, and this is associated with accepting the worst conditions, he said. However, these norms deter achieving resiliency as this lowers the standards for the quality of life that people are supposed to have.

"Resilience is moving beyond merely surviving the impacts of disasters. It should be embedded in our households, schools, communities, businesses, economy and governance," he stressed.

He also shared the three important goals that should guide the government in achieving resiliency: strengthening houses built, locating to a safer area, and ensuring that structures are usable before and after the hazards.

"Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Disaster Resilience" is a disaster risk reduction and resiliency campaign to help local governments get access to the latest technologies developed by DoST and its partner organizations.