The local government units in the country must craft science-based policies, particularly in disaster preparedness, in anticipation of more extreme disasters in the future, says the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr., said it is possible to experience the same fate as super typhoons Yolanda and Odette if there are no scientific approaches to preparedness. The province of Palawan lost billions after Odette’s onslaught in 2021 due to damages sustained in agriculture and infrastructure.
“Hinihikayat ang lokal na pamahalaan sa paggawa ng mga patakaran na base sa siyensya. Pwedeng maulit ang bagyong Odette. Handa ba kayo pag tumama ito? Mahalaga ang mga planong magagawa natin,” he said.
The scientific approach will help to provide systematized and sustainable support to the community, which will avoid providing “band-aid” solutions.
Solidum emphasized that the Philippines is not exempted from the effects of climate change, which may affect the development of more extreme typhoons.
The science-based policies will not just save lives but also help protect the source of livelihood for communities.
“Just like many other communities all over the world, kung san ang perception ng mga tao ay handa na sila sa isang posibleng disaster na mangyari kasi kadalasan ay base sa experience— I hope after Odette, makikita nila na kailangan na sila maghanda sa tinatawag na large scale or extreme disaster,” he said. (RG/PIA Mimaropa – Palawan)
