Abante Ilocos Norte, Region 1 Completed: DOST-PHIVOLCS with the Ilocos Norte PLGU for GeoRiskPH Training
May 13, 2024
by: CRTatlonghari

Discovering innovative technologies, mitigating risk, and enhancing disaster resilience are the main goals of the Ilocos Norte municipalities as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), in collaboration with DOST Region 1 and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, conducted a two-day training course on the use of GeoRiskPH platforms last May 13-14, 2024 at the Provincial Capitol Building in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Forty-six (46) participants from the Ilocos Norte departments and offices such as Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Agriculture, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), and Provincial Information Technology Office (PITO) attended the training as a preliminary activity for the upcoming Handa Pilipinas: Luzon Leg event on July 3-4, 2024. Cordial opening remarks were presented by PDRRMO Head Mr. Marcel Tabije, followed by the DOST 1 Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, and DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol. The training commenced with an intensive presentation on the GeoRiskPH platforms – GeoMapperPH, HazardHunterPH, and GeoAnalyticsPH paired with appropriate and constructive hands-on activities for each platform. Additional lectures were also provided to enlighten participants on the potential natural hazards within their jurisdiction with a lecture on Earthquake and Volcano Hazards, followed by on the importance of disaster resilience and their roles before, during, and after a disaster with the 3 R's of Disaster Preparedness. DOST-PHIVOLCS provided a work planning activity which showcased the novel and essential proposals by the participants integrating the GeoRiskPH platforms through duties within their respective offices. Marching forward on the path to resilience, Ilocos Norte eagerly anticipates ways to fortify the community through valuable and enlightening training. Furthermore, a reminder of the Handa Pilipinas: Luzon Leg activities was presented by Engr. Edison A. Acosta, Supervising Science Research Specialist of Provincial Science & Technology Office - Ilocos Sur (PSTO-IS), to emphasize the importance of disaster risk management together with transformative technologies. Hon. Matthew Marcos-Manotoc, Ilocos Norte Governor, shared a few remarks commending DOST-PHIVOLCS and the government of Ilocos Norte for their initiative to familiarize and integrate GeoRiskPH platforms with the workflow of the offices present. DOST-PHIVOLCS remains dedicated in fulfilling its support and service for the Province of Ilocos Norte, guaranteeing that they are prepared with novel technological tools and the latest knowledge to reduce the impact of disasters and to protect the communities of the Province of Ilocos Norte.