by Ana Dominique Batacan and Krizia Mae Palma

The School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) takes part in the annual “Syensaya” at Copeland Gymnasium in the University of the Philippines Los Banos campus. The exhibit features the newly developed software on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) called the “Now I know!”

“Now I Know!” is a software created by SESAM to educate elementary and high school students about disasters. The software contains quizzes, stories, and trivia about DRRM. Aside from informing, it also tests the users’ knowledge on disaster preparedness, which is “a big environmental issue nowadays” according to Lylee de Jesus, a university researcher at SESAM.

A guest at the SESAM booth tries the software

One promotion strategy adopted for this project was the distribution of a one-liner sticker among tricycle drivers and business owners during registration for and/or renewal of licenses. The municipal government of Los Banos distributes the stickers and requires its placement in tricycles and business establishments. The initiative was funded by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCCARD), in cooperation with SESAM and municipality of Los Banos.

SESAM plans to further promote the project by distributing CDs to schools all over the country identified and funded by the World Food Programme. Radio plugs, drama, and stickers have already been distributed in Cagayan Valley.

The exhibit at the Syensaya aims is to showcase the program to the youth and help educate them about the DRRM. A cellphone application is being developed to adapt to the high-tech world.