Disaster resilience through science: DOST scientists inspire youth to help build safer communities
Resilience is often measured by how communities recover after disasters. But what if its true measure begins long before disaster strikes?
As climate change intensifies extreme weather events and natural hazards, preparing future generations with scientific knowledge and innovative thinking has become just as important as strengthening infrastructure and emergency response. Building safer and more resilient communities begins by empowering today’s youth to anticipate risks before disasters happen.
In observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), the Department of Science and Technology–National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) brought this perspective to students through iShare: Stories of Inspiration Season 5, Episode 2, held virtually on July 16, 2026.
The science communication program connected participants from 11 secondary and tertiary educational institutions across the country with scientists whose work advances earthquake preparedness, weather forecasting, and climate resilience. The activity introduced students to how research and innovation help protect lives, strengthen disaster preparedness, and support evidence-based decision-making before hazards strike.
The episode featured 2024 NRCP Achievement Awardees Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy of USHER Technologies Inc. and Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II of DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Discussions focused on how scientific research and technological innovation help communities anticipate hazards, reduce disaster risks, and adapt to geological and climate-related challenges.
NRCP 2024 Achievement Awardees, Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy of USHER Technologies Inc. and Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II of DOST-PAGASA, share their personal and professional journeys during the iShare: Stories of Inspiration Season 5, Episode 2, held online on July 16, 2026.
Beyond presenting their research, both scientists shared the personal experiences that shaped their careers. They encouraged students to recognize their potential and pursue careers that create meaningful change through science and innovation.
Uy recounted how his fascination with engineering inspired his research on structural health monitoring, which later led to the development of USHER Technologies, an innovation that enables real-time monitoring of the structural integrity of buildings, infrastructure, and critical facilities.
The technology provides data to assess structural safety before, during, and after earthquakes. Uy emphasized that engineering research primary purpose is to protect lives by ensuring that critical infrastructure remains safe and functional.
Villafuerte, meanwhile, traced his journey from studying physics to becoming a climate scientist at DOST-PAGASA. He explained how atmospheric science, weather forecasting, climate modeling, and data analytics improve weather predictions. These tools also support timely disaster preparedness and response.
Reflecting on the broader purpose of scientific work, Villafuerte reminded students that “science and research should always serve the people.”
Both scientists also encouraged participants to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and remain curious. They emphasized that meaningful scientific contributions are built through perseverance, continuous learning, and collaboration.
NRCP Executive Director Dr. Brian S. Bantugan challenged the participants to rethink resilience, not merely as the ability to recover after disasters but as the capacity to anticipate risks and reduce their impacts through science and innovation.
“Science isn’t just a subject you need to pass,” Bantugan said. “It is a practical tool we use to keep our families and our communities safe.”
As geological and climate-related hazards continue to affect the country, Bantugan reiterated the importance of strengthening scientific literacy among young Filipinos. He said investing in the next generation of researchers, engineers, and innovators is key to building safer and more resilient communities through evidence-based solutions. (Rose D. Dagupen // S&T Media Services)
