Empowering LGUs of Metro Manila: Orientation on GeoRiskPH Platforms by DOST-PHIVOLCS
March 20, 2024
by: JDLinato & KCAlmoneda
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The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), together with DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), conducted a training workshop titled Orientation on GeoRiskPH Platforms for Local Government Units (LGUs) in the NCR on March 20, 2024, at People’s Hall, SM Aura Towers, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The event aimed to equip LGUs with PHIVOLCS’ innovative platforms to bolster their preparedness and risk reduction efforts against natural hazards. Attendees consist of representatives from the Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (DRRMO) and the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of the different LGUs in NCR. The program commenced with welcoming remarks given by Ms. Bianca Claudette R. Canlas, the Assistant Regional Director of DOST-NCR, followed by a video message from Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, the Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS. They emphasized the value of technological innovations in managing hazards and cultivating resilience. Afterwards, Ms. Princess Di Pascual introduced the GeoRisk Philippines Initiative and its platforms: HazardHunterPH, GeoAnalyticsPH, and GeoMapperPH. Moreover, she showcased the platforms’ capabilities in collecting, visualizing, and analyzing data which can be used for hazard assessments, plan developments, disaster surveys, and recovery efforts. Mr. Nicole Jean Mercado gave an informative lecture on geologic hazards, focusing on earthquakes and volcanoes. He highlighted the magnitude 7.2 earthquake scenario that the West Valley Fault can generate, also known as Metro Manila’s Big One. Additionally, he mentioned the tsunami scenario that can be produced by a magnitude 8.2 earthquake from Manila Trench. By broadening the attendees' understanding of geologic hazards, Mr. Mercado aimed to inspire LGUs to proactively build a resilient and well-prepared community, ready to handle the challenges posed by natural events. The participants were taught the importance of building their LGU’s exposure database, which can be achieved using the GeoMapperPH web application. Ms. Jaztine Danielle Linato guided the participants in digitizing building footprints within their municipalities, while Ms. Pascual demonstrated GeoMapperPH’s further applications to visualizations and database management. The training concluded with a hands-on activity to ensure that the participants were familiar with the platform’s interface and features. Emphasizing the importance of collaborative endeavors, this training highlighted the significance of partnerships between the DOST-PHIVOLCS and LGUs. DOST-PHIVOLCS is dedicated to maintaining its assistance to LGUs to guarantee that they have timely, quality, and socially inclusive information for their disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.