A Groundbreaking Climate Resilience Technology Platform is Coming from DLSU, DOST, and DEVCON
An agreement that will establish the Climate Resilience Technology (CResT) platform has been signed between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DEVCON Philippines, and De La Salle University (DLSU). The CResT platform seeks to develop and scale climate tech solutions that can address the urgent need for disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.
Under the partnership, the three groups will pool together resources and manpower to co-develop the solutions including life-saving early warning systems, expanding access to renewable energy, enhancing disaster resilience, and pioneering reforestation through robotics.
The agreement ultimately aims to capture a share of the P500-billion climate resilience market through the development of climate technology solutions.
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During a press briefing earlier this week, DEVCON Founder Winston Damarillo estimates the total addressable market for climate solutions stands at around P500 billion today, citing government spending on climate resilience and disaster relief.
“The climate crisis is a race against time, and technology is our fastest vehicle to win,” Damarillo said. “Through CResT, we are not only protecting our communities but also establishing the Philippines as a leader in climate tech.”
From left to right: Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communication and Commercialization; Winston Damarillo, DEVCON Philippines Founder & President; Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Secretary; Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, DLSU President; Atty. Mike Gerald David, Animo Labs Executive Director; Dominique De Leon, DEVCON Philippines Executive Director
The Philippines has been cited as the most disaster-prone country in the world according to the World Risk Index. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. says this is a reality that has made it imperative for the country to lead in climate resilience innovation.
"The Philippines is ready to lead in global climate action with tech-driven solutions. Through CResT, we will turn challenges into opportunities, positioning our nation as a global hub for climate tech innovation, where we develop and scale transformative solutions to meet urgent and future needs," DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said.
“DLSU through Animo Labs will provide expertise in research commercialization, venture creation, and other support services to ensure that the climate solutions that we create can help prevent losses of income, time, and productivity, while preserving life, spirit, and the unquantifiable,” DSLU President Bernard Oca said.
In addition to the technological advancements, CResT will also focus on capacity building, equipping the next generation of Filipino innovators with skills in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D design, and robotics.
The initiative will also foster partnerships with climate tech startups, environmental organizations, and investors to build a robust climate-resilient ecosystem.
According to Damarillo, who is also preparing to speak at the San Francisco Tech Week 2024 to banner CResT, the group targets to have an ecosystem of 100 startups in the next few years to realize the goal of exporting climate tech solutions to other vulnerable countries.
“As we collaborate to establish the Philippines as a global hub for climate tech, our vision extends beyond our borders. Through the CResT platform, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future with solutions that have local impact and global reach,” Damarillo said.
