GeoRiskPH Training for the City of Davao: Empowering Davaoeños for Data-Driven Disaster Preparedness and Resilience

October 15, 2024

by: KCAlmoneda

The two-day GeoRiskPH platform training for Davao City highlighted a strong partnership between the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and DOST Region XI. Hosted at the Panorama Summit Hotel in Davao City on October 15-16, 2024, the event brought together twenty-three (23) participants from various sectors, including the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, City Science and Technology Office, Office of Civil Defense XI, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and City Planning and Development Office. The training began with the virtual opening message of Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, the Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS who welcomed the participants and commended their commitment to improving hazard and risk assessment. He emphasized the importance of the GeoRiskPH platforms in providing local government units with tools for data-driven planning and informed decision-making. He also encouraged active participation and collaboration, confident that the training would help create safer, more resilient communities. The use of both the GeoMapperPH web and mobile applications were introduced to the participants, gaining hands-on experience in creating and editing features, digitizing building footprints, and developing exposure databases. Additionally, a session on GeoMapperPH data management was also part of the program, covering tasks such as data queries, exporting survey data, and adding hazard layers. The second day of training, focused on earthquake and volcanic hazards, emphasizing the importance of understanding about natural hazards and disaster preparedness. Participants also explored other GeoRiskPH platforms, including HazardHunterPH and GeoAnalyticsPH, through hands-on activities and learned about multi-hazard assessments and data visualization. There was also a discussion on the 3Rs of disaster preparedness—recovery, response, and readiness—and how GeoRiskPH tools can enhance disaster management practices. During the collaborative work planning session, participants developed action plans to integrate the GeoRiskPH platform into their respective projects, focusing on future strategies for disaster preparedness. Ms. Loren Joy Palayon from Barangay Malabog, Davao City, shared their plans to use GeoMapperPH for household profiling and assessing hazard vulnerabilities in their barangay while conducting hazard assessments with HazardHunterPH. Moreover, Ms. Bianca Munez from DOST XI, outlined their office's strategies, including creating an exposure database and using HazardHunterPH during community information campaigns to encourage personal use. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, recognizing participants' dedication and achievements throughout the training. A closing message, delivered on behalf of Ms. Elsie Mae A. Solidum, the Davao City Science and Technology Director and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, emphasized the importance of using the GeoRiskPH platforms to not only prepare for current challenges but also to ensure that future generations of Davaoeños can live in safer, more sustainable communities. She expressed sincere gratitude to the GeoRiskPH team for their expertise, support, and dedication throughout the training.