Metro Manila Dapat Laging Handa: DOST-NCR and DOST-PHIVOLCS Collaborate on NCR-Wide GeoRiskPH Training

August 20, 2024

by: VACabalo

Metro Manila is widely recognized for its vulnerability to natural disasters, including the threat of the “Big One” and frequent flooding. These hazards highlight the urgent need for proactive disaster preparedness and informed decision-making in the National Capital Region (NCR). To address these challenges, the Department of Science and Technology - National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), held a 3-day training workshop titled “Mapping Your Risk! A Hands-On Workshop on GIS Analysis with GeoRisk Platforms” from August 20-22, 2024, at City Garden Suites, Ermita, Manila. The event brought together Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) personnel from various cities across NCR. With a total of 62 participants, the training aimed to deepen their understanding of local hazards and enhance their disaster management strategies through the innovative GeoRiskPH platforms. The training focused on utilizing the GeoRiskPH platform—with web applications such as GeoMapperPH, HazardHunterPH, and GeoAnalyticsPH. Participants were first introduced to the GeoMapperPH web and mobile applications, which encouraged them to build and update their exposure databases. Following this, the importance of database management was emphasized, instilling in them the principle of "Garbage In, Garbage Out" (GI-GO), meaning that the quality of the output is determined by the quality of the input. Additionally, HazardHunterPH and GeoAnalyticsPH were explained and demonstrated, allowing participants to assess the hazards present in their areas and visualize data and statistics on land, population, and critical facilities hazard assessments. This motivated the DRRM personnel to focus on building the exposure databases of their respective cities and think of ways to integrate the GeoRiskPH platform into their work. Furthermore, lectures on geologic hazards and the 3Rs of disaster preparedness were presented to deepen the understanding of various hazards and to encourage a shift from reactive to proactive approaches in dealing with hazards and disasters. During the work planning activity, representatives from Mandaluyong and Navotas presented what they had learned, as well as their strategic plans for integrating the GeoRiskPH platform into their local government units (LGUs). Some notable plans included increasing hazard and disaster awareness in their cities by providing more Information, Education, and Communication materials, displaying hazard-related statistics in their offices, enhancing their coping capacities, and updating their comprehensive plans. The training concluded with a closing message from Mr. Warren D. Gomez, Supervising Science Research Specialist & OIC of DOST-NCR, encouraging the participants to integrate the GeoRiskPH platform into their planning, decision-making, and research, now that they have access to and familiarity with these tools. He expressed his expectation that the DRRM personnel would have a better understanding and more accurate reporting of the areas and populations susceptible to hazards. He also encouraged each city in NCR to enter into a memorandum of agreement with DOST-NCR and DOST-PHIVOLCS for the GeoRiskPH platform and dashboard, which would be helpful for database monitoring. Moving towards greater innovation, the GeoRiskPH platform represents a significant step forward in disaster risk management. By equipping DRRM personnel with these tools and knowledge, it will become more effective and efficient to conduct assessments and manage risks. However, the challenges do not end with the completion of training; the true challenge lies in how these platforms will be utilized in their respective offices. As the saying goes, “Mas ligtas ang may alam at laging handa.” Kaya, Metro Manila, dapat laging handa!