DOST-PHIVOLCS Conducts Training on the Use of GeoRiskPH Platforms for the Municipality of Vintar, Ilocos Norte

November 7, 2023

by: Elynrae Soriano

Remaining steadfast in its commitment to providing crucial information and services for warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation for natural hazards, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) successfully completed the training on the use of GeoRiskPH Platforms for the Municipality of Vintar, Ilocos Norte, with seven participants in attendance on November 07-08, 2023, at the DOST-PHIVOLCS Main Office. The primary goal of this two-day learning event is to strengthen the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in building exposure databases and conducting hazards and risk assessments through the use of GeoRiskPH platforms. To achieve this objective, the program covered demonstrations and hands-on exercises using GeoMapperPH. Participants gained proficiency in creating and editing geospatial data (e.g., building footprints, evacuation centers, roads)—a crucial first step in the exposure database development. They also received an overview of GeoAnalyticsPH, HazardHunterPH, and PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild, along with discussions on the Evolution of Filipino Homes and Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards. These sessions provided supplementary information and strategies for more efficient hazards and risk assessment, data collection, sharing, and analysis, supporting data-informed planning and decision-making. Through this training, the Municipality of Vintar was given seven GeoMapperPH accounts for hazard mapping and other LGU planning purposes. A real-time database dashboard can be accessed once a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DOST-PHIVOLCS and the municipality is signed. Additionally, they were briefed on information tools available on the DOST-PHIVOLCS website, which are downloadable and can be used for dissemination to their stakeholders. With these various resources, participants expressed their plans moving forward, such as issuing a job order, hiring personnel for surveyors, and estimating the number of houses in their locality to expedite exposure database completion and facilitate the approval of budget proposals. This initiative by the representatives of Vintar, Ilocos Norte, motivates DOST-PHIVOLCS to continually extend its reach to more local government units, enabling numerous places in the country to enhance their disaster preparedness and response efforts, taking a significant step closer to a disaster-resilient Philippines.