DOST Trains Abra LGUs on Drone Operations for Disaster Risk Reduction

BANGUED,Abra (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology through its Abra Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) trained some local government units on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), popularly known as drones, to aid in disaster risk reduction and management.

This was participated by representatives from LGU Villaviciosa, Licuan-Baay, Tineg, Luba, Dolores, La Paz, Manabo, Sallapadan, Lagayan, Abra Provincial DRRM Office and Provincial Information Office.

The participants were oriented on the fundamentals of drone operations and maintenance which is crucial in DRRM activities.

DOST-Abra tapped Philippine Information Agency Abra personnel for the lecture proper and hands on exercise where the participants experienced to personally maneuver the drones

DOST Science Research Specialist Rose Crizzle P. Cabangbang said the training forms part of DOST’s program for the procurement of the drone of selected LGUs under the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology and Smart and Sustainable Communities.

Abra Provincial DRRM Officer Elmer Bersamin explained that the UAV plays a crucial role in aiding local DRRM councils in surveillance operations especially in the areas that are difficult to reach.

“The province of Abra which is diverse in terrain with remote barangays, and is susceptible to natural hazards, benefits immensely from the integration of UAVs. They aid our LGUs in their search and rescue operations, surveillance and other DRRM efforts,” Bersamin said.

He added that the drome is now an essential asset for public service, safety, and improvement of development planning.

Manabo Municipal Agriculturist Marjory Abboc said in an interview that the drone will aid them in acquiring land area data for their reports.

“Dakkel ti maitulongna daytoy tapno naparpartak iti panag report, ken mas convenient kasi nalaka laeng nga usaren.”

[It helps a lot especially in fast tracking reports and it is convenient since it’s simple to use.] . (JDP/CAGT–PIA Abra w/ intern Krisha Ben Louisse Meguizo)