The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office, in collaboration with MGB’s PhilKarst Program which was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), participated in the DOST 'Handa Pilipinas' event, held at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City, from July 24-26, 2024.
'Handa Pilipinas' is a key initiative of DOST, designed to highlight cutting-edge Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) technologies. This year’s event attracted representatives from local government units nationwide and other stakeholders, underscoring the program’s broad appeal and importance.
The three-day event started with an engaging session combating misinformation on social media. Participants were guided through a critical discussion on identifying and verifying misleading information and distinguishing between hoaxes and factual content. The panel featured experts from PHIVOLCS, PAG-ASA, and Cebu's local media, providing valuable insights into the challenges and solutions surrounding digital misinformation.
During the exhibit, the MGB showcased several key projects, including the Climate-responsive Karst Management for Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines (PhilKarst Program), which aims to develop a standard methodology for assessing and managing karst areas. The program focuses on mapping hazards and creating sustainable tourism practices in karst regions to ensure environmental protection and public safety.
Another highlighted project was the Survey of Heatwaves in the Philippine Seas (SHIPS), which examines the development of discrete and prolonged warm water events, their impacts on marine ecosystems, and the necessary predictive models for future occurrences.
Photos from the event show detailed displays and informative brochures provided by the MGB, attracting attention from various participants, including local government officials and DRRM practitioners.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
The exhibit of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau PhilKarst Program at the 'Handa Pilipinas' Event.