To equip the disaster risk reduction and management personnel of local government units in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)—10, together with the DOST—Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), conducted a series of training sessions on GeoRiskPH and its platforms.
The training aimed to capacitate LGUs and National Government Agencies (NGAs) with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance hazard assessment, risk analysis, and data-informed decision-making in their localities.
GeoRiskPH is an integrated database system that collects and analyzes information for hazard and risk assessments to better prepare for the effects of natural hazards.
It has six platforms: HazardHunterPH, GeoAnalyticsPH, GeoMapperPH, Map&Feature, 3D Earth Risk, and Plan Smart.
These platforms help DRRM officials assess hazards and make data-driven decisions about preventing and mitigating hazards in their area.
The interactive sessions and practical applications were highly appreciated.
Participants recognized the platforms’ user-friendly nature and potential to enhance hazard mapping, disaster risk reduction, and emergency planning.
“I appreciate DOST-PHIVOLCS for coming up with this platform [GeoRiskPH] that can really assist LGUs… We will be capacitated in coming up with a plan that is data-driven, that is evidence-based data, especially in crafting their CLUPs and the other plans,” said Lloyd S. Ceballos, Local Government Operations Officer IV of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-X.
The first training session, which took place in Sagay, Camiguin, from January 22 to 23, 2025, was attended by 34 LDRRM personnel from the five municipalities of Camiguin and the provincial government unit.
In his message, Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, inspired the participants to strengthen community resilience and encouraged them to apply the GeoRiskPH platform effectively in disaster prevention and mitigation.
Another training conducted on February 12-13, 2025, gathered 45 LDRRM personnel, Planning Officers, Researchers, GIS Practitioners, and other relevant personnel from Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte.
The training aimed to provide LGUs and NGAs with hands-on experience in utilizing GeoRiskPH platforms, such as GeoMapperPH, a tool for mapping and digitizing hazard and risk-related data; HazardHunterPH, a platform for assessing hazards and generating risk reports; and GeoAnalyticsPH, a system for analyzing geospatial data to aid decision-making.
Participants submitted outputs showcasing their understanding and use of the platforms.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing gratitude for learning tools to boost local disaster preparedness and planning.
A third session, held from February 19 to 20, 2025, attracted 42 participants from LGUs in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
NGAs such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also participated in the GeoRisk training.
These trainings mark a significant step forward in strengthening disaster and risk management at the local level.
They reinforce DOST-10 and DOST-PHIVOLCS’ commitment to building safer and more disaster-resilient communities through science and technology.
