3 days ago
5 disaster management innovations showcased at Handa Pilipinas-Luzon 2025
BAGUIO CITY – Filipino innovators and researchers showcased this week their latest innovations that will support disaster management efforts across the country.
Here are 5 innovative outputs that were on display during the 2025 Handa Pilipinas para sa Bagong Pilipinas Luzon Leg in Baguio:
Hemostat
Developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hemostats may be the next must-have in everyone's first-aid kits.
Hemostats are granules made from plant cellulose and natural polymers that have been safely exposed to radiation, among other processes, to make a sterile, non-toxic, and biocompatible solution for bleeding.
The product is available in two options: granules, which are applied directly to the open wound, and granule-embedded gauze, which may be used for bigger and deeper wounds.
Within seconds after being exposed to the hemostat, the blood on the wound will start to coagulate into a jelly-like substance, controlling the bleeding enough to allow a patient to be taken to the hospital.
DOST-PNRI is currently negotiating field testing agreements with hospitals such as East Avenue Medical Center and intends to commercialize the product shortly at a price of P100 to P200 per box.
Portable unihoused water purification and sterilization apparatus
Made by Filipino inventor and engineer Rodrigo Duque, the apparatus has the ability to collect and turn any form of water into clean, potable drinking water.
The device creates oxygenated water from any source, including floodwater, by using oscillation and UV sterilization.
Through the sterilization process, all types of bacteria, viruses, and oxidizing chemical contaminants will be killed.
The best part is that it can also help people recover quickly from dengue fever, food poisoning, and diarrhea—and it's approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The apparatus is now available in the market at P1.5 million per unit, targeting local government units and schools.
Project MOSES
Project MOSES aims to change the game on weather forecasting by creating a platform for real-time weather monitoring.
The apparatus is a full weather monitoring system and station, which will be collecting data from its installation site that gets updated within seconds up to a minute.
Made by Mindoro State University in partnership with DOST–MIMAROPA, Project MOSES currently has one working station installed on Mindoro Island, with others in construction in Victoria, Naujan, and Calapan.
Project MOSES is currently in the second phase of development and is looking for additional funding to create data centers and has a long-term goal of installing stations nationwide.
Ready-to-eat food packages
The DOST–Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) produced several different ready-to-eat and improved food packages that may be used in emergencies like evacuations and military operations.
One of their research outputs was all-natural quail and chicken eggs, either in cans or in pouches, that can last up to five or six months.
Ginisang Munggo and Chicken Corn Soup pouches were also created to last from 1 year and 8 months up to 2 years on the shelf.
Lastly, DOST-ITDI partnered with the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to create ready-to-eat food packs for officers in combat or high-risk operations.
Chicken Adobo, Beef Curry, Mixed Vegetables, White Rice, Chicken Afritada, and Bangus Sisig are among the flavors of the "Pack of Duty" food packs, which have a one-year shelf life.
Abaca-reinforced fiber composite
Exploring what natural Philippine fiber has to offer in disaster response, DOST-ITDI also developed a material that can be a suitable replacement for fiberglass and used in transport applications.
The agency created a material that was lightweight, waterproof, and highly durable by combining resin with abaca fiber. This material is ideal for boats used in disaster response operations.
The material has previously undergone successful field testing in Laguna Lake and Pasig River. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
