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THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully turned over a state-of-the-art Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Camarines Sur (PLGU-Camarines Sur). This initiative, part of the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) program, was commemorated through a ceremonial gathering in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. This investment is particularly significant given Camarines Sur’s vulnerability to a range of hazards, including typhoons, flooding, landslides, storm surges, and even volcanic activity from Mount Isarog.
The event was attended by prominent figures from both PLGU-Camarines Sur and DOST. Notably present were Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi R. Villafuerte, Vice Governor Salvio Patrick Fortuno Jr., members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, PLGU-Camarines Sur’s Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), and representatives from various local government units. The Office of the Civil Defense-5 (OCD-5) was represented by Mr. Jeric Dela Rosa. DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST- Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfers, Communications and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., DOST-Bicol Director Rommel R. Serrano, Provincial Science and Technology Office-Camarines Sur (PSTO-Camarines Sur) Director Patrociño N. Felizmenio, and representatives from various DOST agencies also graced the occasion.
The ceremony commenced with messages of gratitude for the collaborative effort and a shared to empowering the province’s disaster response capabilities. Vice Governor Fortuno Jr. emphasized the importance of this initiative, acknowledging the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters while highlighting the resilience of Bicolanos. He expressed confidence that the MoCCoV would significantly enhance Camarines Sur’s ability to combat these challenges.
Mr. Dela Rosa from OCD-5 echoed the Vice Governor’s sentiments, recognizing the continuous process of disaster resilience and thanking DOST for their contribution. DOST Secretary Solidum delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of physical resilience in addition to mental preparedness. He outlined four pillars that the province could benefit from: (1) promotion of human well-being, (2) wealth creation, (3) wealth protection, and (4) sustainability. He underscored the critical role of collaboration and science and technology in empowering communities and further emphasized the importance of sustainability, highlighting DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program as a way to realize these four pillars.
The MoCCoV is the first of its kind in the Bicol region, equipped with cutting-edge communication, surveillance, rescue, and medical technologies. Camarines Sur’s proactive approach to disaster response and preparedness makes it well-positioned to utilize this advanced vehicle. While Governor Villafuerte expressed hope that the MoCCoV would never need to be used, he underscored the importance of preparedness and assured that the province was ready to assist others in need.
DOST-Bicol Director Serrano concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the collective effort that led to the project’s success. The MoCCoV initiative exemplifies DOST’s dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness and response across the Philippines. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative technologies, DOST continues to empower communities and safeguard lives and livelihoods. The MoCCoV project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of such initiatives, showcasing the transformative power of science and technology in building a more resilient nation. (Jay Ray M. Masayda/S&T Promotion)
