LEGAZPI CITY –- Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda has underscored the important role of science and technology not only in socio-economic development but also in disaster mitigation.

        In a speech delivered during the opening of the Regional Science and Technology week (RSTW) celebration last July 31 at the DOST 5 regional office here, Salceda urged his constituents to always listen to the advice of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) or the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) whenever there’s a typhoon approaching or when Mayon Volcano threatens to erupt.

        “Pagasa or Phivolcs should advise the government on what to do during disasters but this advice should be based on scientific studies,” he said.

        He disclosed that the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC), in coordination with Pagasa and Phivolcs, has launched a policy of maximum defense against calamities from the towns of Guinobatan to Sto. Domingo.

        Most of our problems regarding the weather come from climate change, Salceda said.

        “We have proclaimed Albay as the first province to pioneer direct state intervention in behalf of climate change because Albay has been declared as the most vulnerable province to climate disaster,” the former solon stressed.

        He reiterated his plan to relocate government offices, colleges, and universities and business establishments to the upland and plateaus from Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi City where they are safe from volcanic eruptions, lahar and floods.

        Salceda, a well-known economist, has laid down his plans for the rehabilitation and socio-economic development of Albay as follows: 1) concentrate on rehabilitation within the next 18 months; 2) make the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and the City of Legazpi as the center of his economic program; 3) pursue the construction of the Daraga International Airport; 4) implement his poverty-alleviation program for the four islands of Albay, namely: Cagraray, Rapu-rapu, Batan and San Miguel which have a 72% poverty incidence; and 5) implement an action plan against climate change.

        At the same time, Salceda urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to improve the quality of education in the country particularly in the fields of science and technology.