PHIVOLCS conducted an online training entitled “REDAS Module 3 (REDAS Exposure Database Development Module) Online Training for the City of Iligan” last June 1-4, 2021. The main goal of this module was to train the participants on how to develop their exposure database with the use of the REDAS Exposure Data Mapper (EDM) using GeoMapperPH.

The training was attended by 18 participants from the City of Iligan consisting of participants from the city offices ICDRRMO, CPDO, CAG, ICWS, CEO, CASSO, CEMO).  There were also six participants from the PPDO of the province of Lanao Del Norte.  The photos below show the speakers, facilitators, technical support staffs and course advisers in the training.

Photos 1 and 2. Speakers, facilitators, and course advisers for REDAS Module 3 (REDAS Exposure Database

Development Module) Online Training for the City of Iligan

To give the participants an overview of the module, the training commenced with two introductory lectures on Day 0: Introduction to REDAS Module 3 and Introduction to the GeoRisk Philippines Initiative & the GeoMapperPH. In the afternoon, the participants were taught how to sign in in the GeoMapperPH application on both desktop and mobile platforms.

For the Day 1 of the training, Engr. Rhommel N. Grutas discussed the UPD-ICE Building Typology where the participants learned about the different building types in the Philippines. A quiz where participants were asked to identify the building type of various structures was given afterwards to strengthen their familiarization on the topic. Next, the Attributes in the REDAS Exposure Database Module (EDM) using GeoMapperPH Application was discussed by Engr. Robinson F. Jorgio. In this lecture, the participants were informed of the different building attributes found in different building types and were guided how to answer these said attributes on the questionnaire. At the end of the day, the participants were taught on how to digitize building footprints using both desktop and mobile application in preparation for the data inputting the next day.

On the Day 2 of the training, the participants learned the use of Street View as an alternative to foot survey when gathering exposure data considering the current COVID-19 Pandemic. This was followed by the hands-on demo using both desktop/laptop and smartphones. In this exercise, participants were able to see how the survey questions are actually answered using the two applications. Afterwards, the participants were given an exercise which required them to digitize and survey at least three structures in their respective municipalities/cities.

During the last day of training, data management or the double checking of surveyed data for errors and updates -- an essential part of exposure data development -- was discussed. In this part, the participants were taught how to spot common errors and correct them in the GeoMapperPH application. The exercise outputs of the participants were also reviewed and discussed in the Data Management lecture during this day.

At the end of the training, the participants digitized 178 buildings and completely surveyed 57 buildings in Iligan City and three municipalities of Lanao Del Norte (Figures 1 and 2)

Other topics that were covered in this training were the: Introduction to Global Positioning System, Experiences in Exposure Database Development of LGUs, and the Introduction to HazardHunterPH and GeoAnalyticsPH.

Despite experiencing some technical difficulties since the training was conducted in a purely online setup, the training was still successfully completed. Based on the evaluation form responses, the participants were able to learn different skills and knowledge on the training; one of the comments was: “I like it most when i can relate the topics to what our work in the office like assessment of different building types and how it relates to tax mapping division and how we can make use of it.”

The training was headed by DOST Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., REDAS Program Coordinator and Associate Scientist Dr. Maria Leonila P. Bautista, GeoRiskPH Project Leader Mabelline T. Cahulogan, and REDAS Course Advisers Dr. Bartolome C. Bautista, Ishmael C. Narag, and Engr. Angelito G. Lanuza. The speakers and facilitators for the training were Engr. Rhommel N. Grutas, Engr. Robinson F. Jorgio, Engr. Dave Andrei Rivera, Ian P. Javier, John Deladia, Engr. Noel C. Rosario Jr., Engr. Maria Teresa G. Llera, Engr. Nikka Marie B. Sales, For. Jordana Marie L. Argamosa, Lara Jennina A. Gianan, John Harold B. Tabuzo, Conrado Alfonso M. Favis, Hanz, Alejandria, Ynna Patricia M. Aquino, Maeryck Justinne N. Bernardo, Janine L. Israel, Princess Di E. Pascual, Michelle de los Santos, Andrew Ragadio, Richard Sulit, Raymond Patrick R. Maximo, Marinel F. Degones, Erizza Rose U. Santos, and Selwyn Cabaluna, Jr.,  Photo 3 shows the group photo of the participants and the speakers.

Photo 3.  Participants and speakers during the REDAS Module 3 (REDAS Exposure Database Development Module) Online Training for the City of Iligan