Albay sets up science, technology institute

Albay sets up science, technology institute

The Albay province has recently established the Kabalikat Science and Technology Institute (KSTI), dedicated to the advancement of technologies in Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). It is the first of its kind in the country,

Albay sets up science, technology institute

KSTI is based at the Bicol University (BU) campus with another pioneering institution established two years ago, the Albay Climate Change Academy. The academy is dedicated to the educational side of the DRR-CCA programs, training of key LGU officials, among others, while the KSTI consortium will focus on research and experimentation on technologies to improve disaster resiliency.
An innovation and landmark in DRR-CCA history, KSTI was established recently by virtue of a memorandum of understanding signed by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Raffy Alejandro, BU President Fay Leah Patria Mata-Lauraya, and Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Assistant Regional Director Manuel Lucena.
Another signatory was David Haut of the US Marine Experimentation Center (MEC), based at the US Embassy in Manila.

Salceda has pioneered innovative programs in DRR and CCA when he became Albay governor six years ago, the province being regularly buffeted by typhoons and its growth stunted by the constant beating of disasters. Zero Casualty goal and Preemptive Evacuation are just two of his innovative strategies that proved effective. They have been adopted by the national government and other LGUs.
For his pioneering approach in DRR and CCA, the United Nations has named Salceda as its Senior DRR-CCA Global Champion and spokesman, and Albay, as its Global Model. The KSTI is the governor’s latest innovation in the field, with credentials and standards of an academic institution.
Salceda said KSTI’s key operating unit is the Remote Prototype Experimentation Center (RPEC) also based at BU and a partner of the MEC. Architect Leo del Rosario was appointed to head the consortium’s Interim Secretariat.

KSTI’s first major project is funded by a $50,000 grant from MEC, for the construction of a prototype 200 square-foot typhoon-resistant building made of expanded polystyrene that can withstand a maximum wind speed of 170 mph.

The structure has its own solar power source and water supply, an example of ready mitigation and risk reduction during disasters.

RPEC is participated in by MEC, the US Embassy the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, BU, DOST, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Bicol, and the 51st Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.