Dost Turns Over Hi-tech Command Vehicle To Muntinlupa City

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Friday turned over the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle with Triage Technology (MoCCoV) to the city government of Muntinlupa to improve the local government unit’s disaster response.

The fully equipped mobile incident command center is designed to address threats and emergencies, including natural disasters and large-scale events. The MoCCoV can also be used to monitor crowds and ensure public safety during major gatherings.

Also, it has a global satellite communication system, surveillance capabilities, a weather-monitoring station, a rescue quadcopter drone, and rescue and medical equipment. It even has a portable boat for rescue operations in case of flooding.

MoCCoV units also use renewable energy sources, as they are equipped with solar and wind power supply capabilities.

During the event, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. said the MoCCCoV will work alongside its recently launched Handa Integrated Platform for Preparedness Response, a centralized website capable of real-time hazard monitoring.

“All of our other disaster-resilient applications and efforts of DOST reflect the strength of Filipino innovation in really advancing homegrown science-based solutions that respond directly to what Filipinos need," Solidum said.

With 44 low-lying areas across its nine villages, Muntinlupa is prone to natural calamities, particularly flooding. Likewise, the West Valley Fault also passes through several villages in the city.

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, who accepted the technology, cited the need to enhance the city’s disaster resilience and response.

“We are exposed to the threat of natural disasters. And that's why our city is investing in preparation for those kinds of events. So, these items that are being turned over are very much welcome and very much needed,” Biazon said.

Aside from the MoCCoV, the DOST also launched the innovation hub (iHub), a space for “creativity and encouraging collaboration," providing students, startups, researchers, and industry partners with the opportunity to turn their ideas into tangible technologies.

Solidum said both the MoCCoV and iHub addressed key issues facing the country. He noted that these challenges are interconnected, adding that businesses will struggle to prosper in a country like the Philippines, where natural disasters occur frequently, and that inadequate disaster response further worsens the damage.

“In these two programs that we have, we are advancing innovation while reinforcing resilience. We hope that you see that these efforts are game-changers, not as business as usual, but as transformative efforts to address the emerging needs of today's modern-day challenges,” Solidum concluded.