emi

In an effort to bring its knowledge products closer to the public, the EMI Secretariat participated in the celebration of the 2006 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) in Metro Manila, Philippines from July 17 to 21, 2006. This year's theme, "Saving Lives, Improving Lives through Science and Technology", fits perfectly with EMI's scientific and capacity-building agenda.

At the exhibit, EMI showcased the Cross-Cutting Capacity Development (3CD) Program and introduced MapViewer to the general public (see poster (pdf-file, 53 kB)). Video clippings of the Banda Aceh Tsunami in 2004 and the Yogyakarta and Kobe earthquakes in 2006 and 1995, respectively, aroused interest especially among students. A questionnaire-survey was also conducted in order to gain some insights on (1) the people's perception of the earthquake risk in Metro Manila, (2) the sources of disaster risk information they use and respond to; and (3) their information needs.

The NSTW 2006 aimed to highlight the advances of science and technology in the Philippines, particularly those in support of disaster mitigation, poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship and other national concerns. Various schools and S&T-related organizations, including the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), an EMI partner, participated in this annual event.