Bacolod: “Tanaw,” an alert and reporting system developed by students from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), has emerged victorious in the technology pitching competition of the three-day 2025 Handa Pilipinas: Innovations in Climate and Disaster Resilience Visayas leg, which concluded on Wednesday. In the contest results revealed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the UNO-R entry topped a list of ten qualifying teams to secure the grand prize.
According to Philippines News Agency, ‘Tanaw’ was created by Mark Angelo Navarro and Jules Alfonz Pecaoco, with coaching from Allijah Mckale Rodis. The system is designed to visualize climate risks, offer climate impact analytics, display the nearest emergency facilities, and report climate-related events. The Brains and Breakthrough Pitching Competition showcased technologies focused on disaster preparedness developed by students from various colleges and universities in the Negros Island Region.
In a statement, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized the importance of educating the youth, stating that by doing so, future leaders are being shaped who can teach and inspire others towards a safer future. “Resilience grows through learning sessions, community efforts and families that choose preparedness,” he added.
The first runner-up was Project AFLOATS from the University of St. La Salle. This project, developed by Andrei Alexis Argel and Daniel Jess Reynoso with mentor Rommel Gallegos, comprises machine learning, flood prediction, rerouting navigation, and a flood reporting device aimed at collecting ground-based data on soil moisture, water level, and precipitation rate, all integrated within a global positioning device.
Project FLARE from the Asian College, developed by Joemarie Lo and Stephen Kurt Mapili with coach Kent Ross Pi±ero, took the second runner-up position. It features an integrated, low-cost communication system for disaster response, utilizing artificial intelligence-based hazard prediction, an internet of things mesh communication network, and a community dashboard and mobile application.
Throughout the competition, technologies were categorized under four sub-themes: disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, response, and recovery and rehabilitation. The 2025 Handa Pilipinas initiative aims to promote technologies and projects that enhance the government’s preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery efforts during disasters. This initiative by the DOST seeks to provide science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.
