The City Government of San Fernando, La Union (CGSFLU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 1, organized the 2024 Handa Pilipinas: Handa CSFLU, the first localized Handa Pilipinas Program of the country, with the theme “Alertong Mamamayan, Kaagapay ang Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon para sa Matatag at Ligtas na Pamayanan” held at Agora Hall, Thunderbird Resort, on December 19-20, 2024.

The 2-day event started with the welcome remarks of City Vice-Mayor Hon. Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega, represented by City Councilor Hon. Edwin H. Yumul. Following thereafter were the Messages of Support from Provincial Governor Hon. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, represented by Dr. Eleazar Belgica, and from the Provincial Vice-Governor, Hon. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega.

Moreover, Engr. Sancho A. Maborrang, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, emphasized the role of local government units (LGUs) as frontliners in the resilience agenda and as implementers of disaster risk reduction strategies in his opening remarks.

In addition, DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito A. Bacolco, DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, and City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto delivered their inspirational messages, citing the importance of collective efforts in disaster preparedness.

Furthermore, DOST Region Office 1 Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog introduced the Keynote Speaker of the event, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. In Dr. Solidum’s keynote, he emphasized the transformation of resiliency from merely survival into a thriving life. He also highlighted the relevance of identifying potential hazards and risks, and harnessing science, technology, and innovation solutions in preparing to reduce and manage disaster risks.

After the keynote speech, the DOST awarded the CGSFLU a Plaque of Appreciation and handed over 100 pieces of “Reference for Emergency and Disaster Book (REDBook) as reward for being the first LGU to implement and localize Handa Pilipinas in the country.

Meanwhile, the event also featured discussions expounding knowledge on hazards and disasters brought by weather, climate, and geologic events including the introduction of GeoRiskPH platform, empowering local communities in disaster preparedness. A science and technology exhibit highlighting disaster preparedness was also displayed during the event.

Among the experts and specialists in disaster risk reduction and management who shared their knowledge and expertise during the technical discussions:

• Ms. Sharon Juliet M. Arruejo, PAGASA Assistant Weather Services Chief

• Mr. Christopher F. Perez, PAGASA Assistant Weather Services Chief

• Mr. Mark Louie A. Vergara, PAGASA Weather Specialist I

• Mr. Bernard R. Punzalan II, PAGASA International Science Relations Officer III

• Ms. Rosalie C. Pagulayan, PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist

• Ms. Sharon Juliet M. Arruejo, PAGASA Assistant Weather Specialist Chief

• Mr. Jeffrey S. Perez, PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist

• Ms. Rachel Anne Miranda, DOST-DRR-CCU Planning Development Officer IV

• Mr. Nicole Jean L. Mercado, PHIVOLCS Science Research Specialist I

Government officials of the LGUs including at barangay level, National Government Agencies, experts and specialists in disaster risk reduction and management, and media from various agencies gathered in this informative event to learn the hazards present in the city and recognize the vital role of innovations to foster resiliency.

Be disaster-ready citizens, kakabsat!

Let us be part of transforming the city to become a more resilient #PeoplesCity against the unpredicted impacts and challenges of disasters here in #SanFernandoTayo.