DOST-PHIVOLCS’ GeoRiskPH aims to strengthen disaster risk capability of Ilocos Region – DOST-I
The Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I) recently conducted a webinar on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) through its Tekno Presyensya: Syensya ken Teknolohiya para kadagiti Umili 2023 Episode 3: Strengthening DRRM Capacities through GeoRiskPH, via Zoom and streamed live via DOST Region I Facebook Page.
In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Phillippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the region is heightening its capabilities to prepare and respond to geological risks, amid the recent earthquakes in Northern Luzon. Mabelline T. Cahulogan, Supervising Science Research Specialist, presented GeoRiskPH as a digital tool for disaster managers and local government units (LGUs) to use. GeoRiskPH is a government-led multi-agency initiative to serve as a central information resource on natural hazards and risk assessment.
In line with the safety measures against geological hazards, GeoRiskPH aims to determine and assess areas in the country that are safe or vulnerable or prone to geological hazards like ground fracture, liquefaction, tsunami, and flooding. One product under GeoRiskPH is the digital tool called HazardHunterPH, that is used to generate indicative hazard assessment reports on the user's specified location. It also has a climate projection from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) wherein rainfall estimates, temperature, and other information are provided already.
Furthermore, presented also during the program was the PlanSmart, Ready to Rebuild which can auto-generate a planning document in no time instead of creating it for weeks or months which is also helpful for the LGUs to create their rehabilitation and recovery plans. Moreover, the capacities of the GeoRiskPH’s platforms: GeoMapperPh, GeoAnalyticsPH, HazardHunterPH plus the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning Guide Workbook are all integrated in PlanSmart, Ready to Rebuild.
All these features and many more are all provided by GeoRiskPH. As Cahulogan said, let’s always be ready for any natural hazards through our government’s resources like HazardHunterPh. Truly that “safety is our top priority” and “Handa ang may alam”.
For more information about GeoriskPH, you may check their website www.georisk.gov.ph. You may reach them at +63 8426-1426 to 79 and via email, georisk@philvolcs.dost.gov.ph. (By Christian Dominic I. Casimiro, DOST-I)
