The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday turned over two Mobile Command and Control Vehicles (MoCCoV) to the provincial government of Biliran and the municipal government of Catarman, Northern Samar, to strengthen disaster response capabilities in Eastern Visayas.
The turnover ceremony was one of the highlights of the opening day of the three-day 2026 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration at Robinsons North Tacloban.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum led the ceremonial turnover to Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina and Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales.
Solidum said the turnover reflects the department’s commitment to promoting technologies that help save lives, particularly during emergencies and disasters.
“During major disasters, one of the affected areas is communication. There are many affected communities, and the national government would not be able to respond effectively without communication,” he said.
Each MoCCoV, valued at around PHP18 million, is equipped with a weather monitoring station, rescue quadcopter drone, global satellite communication systems, surveillance equipment and medical supplies.
The vehicle also carries a portable rescue boat and features a conference room that serves as a mobile command center. Its solar and wind power systems enable continuous operations even during prolonged power outages.
With Wednesday’s turnover, five MoCCoVs have now been deployed across Eastern Visayas, according to DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña.
“The goal is to deploy at least one MoCCoV in each of the region’s six provinces. We only need one more to achieve that target,” Ocaña told reporters.
Earlier, the DOST turned over similar vehicles to Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City, Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City and the local government of Pintuyan in Southern Leyte.
Ocaña said the DOST partnered with state universities and colleges to maximize their expertise and manpower in engineering, information technology and healthcare, ensuring the efficient operation and management of the mobile command vehicles.
The deployment of the MoCCoVs is considered vital for Eastern Visayas, whose six provinces are among the country’s most disaster-prone areas due to frequent typhoons, floods, landslides and other natural calamities.
Developed by the DOST, the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle is a disaster response platform designed to improve emergency preparedness, coordination and communication during calamities. (PNA)