DOST, Albay ink MOA on countryside development

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Albay provincial government signed recently a memorandum of agreement (MOA) under which they pooled their expertise and resources to promote countryside development and at the same time address issues on global warming, climate change adaptation and disaster survival.

The MOA on science and technology partnership program was signed by DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro and Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda during the recent Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) conference in this regional center.

Under the accord, DOST will undertake, among others, research and development programs, establish food and technology centers, set up science-based farms and upgrade the capabilities of Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and the Philippine Astronomical Geophysical Administration (Pagasa) in Bicol.

Salceda said the partnership aims to identify and develop viable local development initiatives and undertakings that require science and technology interventions.

He said the tie-up will also promote advocacy initiatives to address climate change, disaster management and further develop more viable adaptation and mitigation measures.

The partnership, Alabastro said, is the first of its kind in the country and Albay is the first pilot area to undertake programs focused on climate change.

Albay was the first local government unit to embark on a broad climate change adaptation program when it held the First National Climate Change Adaptation Conference about two years ago.

DOST has put up some P594.3 million to finance the setting up of its Regional Weather Bureau facilities in Albay, purchase of a Doppler radar – an Upper Air equipment that monitors weather disturbances – and other equipments that would upgrade the services of Pagasa.

The facility, to be known as Southern Luzon Weather Region (SLWR), will provide weather forecasting and warning services to the six provinces of Bicol – Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon and the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

Alabastro said the establishment of the SLWR is in line with Pagasa’s regionalization and capability building program aimed at providing fast services to the public, especially in times of natural calamities.