Committing Towards Resilience: DOST-PHIVOLCS Signs MOA with the Province of Nueva Vizcaya for the Use of the GeoRiskPH Platform

July 24, 2024

by: JDLinato

“Isaisip, isapuso, isagawa!” were the words spoken by Nueva Vizcaya Vice Governor Eufemia Ang-Dacayo as she addressed her constituents participating in the GeoRiskPH training. Her three “I’s” urging them to keep in mind their learnings, take them to heart, and put them into action as they tackle threats posed by natural hazards. One example of this, as recalled by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) Deputy Director Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, was the 1990 Mw 7.8 Luzon earthquake event that shook the province due to its proximity to the epicenter in Nueva Ecija. The effects of the earthquake were aggravated by limited information and technology posed during those times. Consequently, innovations, such as the GeoRiskPH platform, were made to confront these issues, making hazard-related information easily accessible and available to anyone. With how this platform can be applied to improve their current workflows, Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Director Jonathan R. Nuestro commended the agencies and offices involved in this partnership. Together with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief King Webster B. Balaw-ing, they all signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST-PHIVOLCS and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya on the Use of the GeoRiskPH Platform on July 24, 2024 at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol. The signing was followed by a two-day training held on July 24-25, 2024 with 77 participants comprising representatives from the Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (DRRMO), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO), Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), Provincial Information Technology Division (PITD), Provincial Agricultural Office (PAO), PSTO, and academic institutions of the different LGUs in Nueva Vizcaya. They were trained in using and understanding the different GeoRiskPH tools, which included building and managing their exposure database through the GeoMapperPH mobile and web applications, knowing the hazards within their area using HazardHunterPH, and conducting risk analysis through GeoAnalyticsPH. Moreover, the participants were provided information about the different geological hazards they might come across and the strategies to prepare for disasters. A work planning activity concluded the training to help the participants incorporate the platform into their goals and plans. As mentioned by Deputy Director Villegas, “times have changed.” The Philippines’ past encounters with disasters have driven us to innovate solutions to mitigate the risks of hazards. This partnership between DOST-PHIVOLCS and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya to utilize the tools developed by GeoRiskPH proves to be a testament to the province’s commitment to making a disaster-resilient Nueva Vizcaya.