The Department of Science and Technology spearheaded this year’s HANDA Pilipinas, an exhibit that showcased the country’s latest technological creations and tools that will help the country in disaster response and resiliency.
This year’s event was themed “Risk Reduction in Megacities.”
Senator Alan Cayetano, Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos and DOST secretary Renato Solidum attended the opening of the event. Cayetano is currently the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
In his remarks, Abalos urged support for the work of Filipino scientists.
“Ang ating mga scientists, they will be given exposure, tulungan natin sila i-patent ito at most importantly, ang commercialization nito,” he said.
One of the innovations shown at the exhibit was the “ML Foldable Tank with Zeramic Filter’. This tank has the capability to neutralize the pH level of rainwater and improve its odor too, making it the first foldable tank for the harvest of rainwater into drinkable water.
The ‘V-Saster’, on the other hand, gave users real-life fire disaster scenarios through a virtual reality.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology was also present to showcase its earthquake simulator, with DOST Secretary Renato Solidum demonstrating what an intensity 5 quake feels like using the earthquake simulator.
The 2023 Handa Pilipinas event was held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.