DOST's Solidum: Resilience is about helping people thrive, not just urvive

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin— A resilient community is where people not only survive disasters but also have the opportunity to thrive, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said Thursday.

"Resilience is not simply about survival but creating a condition for Filipino people to thrive," Solidum said.

'Resilience must be converted to physical reality," he added.

Solidum made the statement as he delivered a lecture on the geological history, volcanic formation, and evolving landscape of Camaguin Island during the second day of the Northern Mindanao Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Mambajao, Camiguin.

LOOK: Students and other visitors participate in several activities of Day 2 of the DOST Northern Mindanao Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Mambajao, Camiguin.| Mariel Celine Serquiña @gmanews pic.twitter.com/auEgEzQ2GO

— Celine (@celine_serquina) July 23, 2026

To assure a stronger and resilient community, Solidum shared the following operational goal.

He said communities should reduce risk for impact before a hazard occurs. This includes strengthening houses and buildings.

In June, Solidum said local government units should provide residents with information on earthquake-resistant house designs while schools should promote awareness among students.

His suggestion came after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani on June 8.

Solidum said the second operational goal is to have effective preparedness to reduce deaths and injuries, while the third is to have efficient recovery measures.

"Hazards are natural, disasters are not. Disasters are not a consequence of not preparing," Solidum said.

"When we understand risk, we can reduce risk. When we reduce risk, we can create safer, stronger and more resilient communities," he added.

Science is for the people

In his speech during the opening of the RSTW, Solidum said, like in Camiguin, risks from disasters will always exist, so people must remain prepared for any eventuality.

"Living on an island shaped by volcanic activity reminds us that resilience does not mean eliminating risk. Risk will always exist. Resilience means understanding those risks, preparing for them, and making better decisions before hazards become disasters," Solidum said.

The DOST Secretary also pointed out that technology has value when it helps people elevate their lives.

"Technology creates value only when it helps people live better lives. When it helps a farmer improve productivity. When it helps an entrepreneur reach new markets. When it helps a local government provide better services. And when it gives young Filipinos more opportunities to learn, innovate, and succeed," Solidum said.

Under Executive Order No. 29, the country observed the National Resilience Month to raise awareness about disaster preparedness, response, and safe communities.

A first on the island-province, the Northern Mindanao RSTW runs from July 22-24.

With the theme "Driving, Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience," this year's RSTW in Northern Mindanao focuses on DOST's initiatives in Camiguin.—LDF, GMA News