DOST, UN-Habitat create 3D home models for Badjao communities in Surigao City
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte (DOST-SDN) recently collaborated with the United Nations – Habitat on innovative solutions to rebuild and enhance the resilience of the Badjao communities from disasters such as the wrath of Super Typhoon (ST) Odette.
UN-Habitat, a nongovernment organization, committed to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, aims to provide adequate shelter through initiatives such as constructing homes for Badjao families under the project dubbed as "Huy-anan nan Badjao sa Surigao."
The Badjao, an indigenous seafaring group, suffered greatly from ST Odette which destroyed homes and disrupted their way of life. Acknowledging the urgency of the crisis, UN-Habitat is collaborating with various agencies in implementing a project dedicated to building new homes for the affected families.
UN-Habitat emphasized innovative approaches to ensure these homes withstand future natural disasters.
DOST-SDN Provincial Director Mariel P. Makinano said that they are honored to collaborate with UN-Habitat in this critical initiative saying, "By leveraging our technological capabilities, particularly in 3D printing, we aim to create resilient 3D housing models that will serve as design plan in providing a safe and sustainable living environment for the Badjao community.”
The proposed 3D printed housing models developed through the advanced technologies available at the Provincial Research, Innovation, and Science Museum (PRISM) will undergo a rigorous development and testing phase to ensure they meet the necessary standards for safety, sustainability, and cultural appropriateness.
Once finalized, these models will serve as a blueprint for the construction of new homes in the affected areas. This partnership represents a beacon of hope for the Badjao community in Surigao City, promising not only immediate relief but also a pathway to long-term recovery and resilience.
As the project progresses, DOST-SDN and UN - Habitat are committed to engaging with the Badjao community, addressing their needs and ensuring sustainability of their rebuilding efforts. (DOST-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
