PHIVOLCS conducted the online training entitled “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into the Local Development Planning Process, Contingency Planning, and Emergency Preparedness Through the Use of REDAS Software for the Province of Lanao del Norte” last December 14-16, 28, 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) GeoMapperPH. The training was conducted for the second batch of participants from Lanao del Norte, targeting the rest of municipalities of the province which were not able to join during the first batch.
Following the REDAS Modules 1 and 2 which were held November 15, 17-19, 2021 and December 6-9, 2021 respectively, the REDAS Module 3 Training was focused on the development of exposure database using the REDAS EDM GeoMapperPH tool, in partnership with the GeoRiskPH initiative. 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 included Engr. Rhommel N. Grutas, Engr. Robinson F. Jorgio, Ian P. Javier, John Deladia, Jordana Marie L. Argamosa, Sarena P. Tarongoy, Engr. Noel C. Rosario Jr., Engr. Hannah Joy D. Torio, and Engr. Jose Vincent E. Cruz. The speakers from the GeoRiskPH team include John Harold B. Tabuzo, Janine L. Israel, Princess Di E. Pascual, Chatty Mae M. Go, and Geleen Rica R. Javellana, assisted by the Technical Support team Conrado Alfonso M. Favis, Maeryck Justinne N. Bernardo, Ynna Patricia Aquino, Richard Sulit, Mark Leo Sumadero and Andrew C. Ragadio.
REDAS Module 3 consisted of 22 participants from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, Municipal Government of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Matungao, Linamon, Baroy, Maigo, Kauswagan, Balo-i, Tagoloan, Pantar, Pantao, Munai, Kapatagan, Tangcal, Sapad, Lala, and Bacolod. There were also guest participants – 3 from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), 1 from University of the Philippines Manila, 1 from Office of Civil Defense Region V, and 3 from DOST-PHIVOLCS. In total, 30 GeoMapperPH accounts were issued, and 25 GeoMapperPH Municipal Layers were prepared.
To give the participants an overview of the module, the training commenced with three introduction lectures on Day 0: the REDAS Exposure Database Development, the GeoRisk Philippines & the GeoMapperPH, and the Global Positioning System (GPS). In the afternoon, the participants were taught how to sign in in the GeoMapperPH application on both desktop and mobile platforms and have also verified if their REDAS software was still properly working.
For the Day 1 of the training, a lecture on the Evolution of the Filipino Home, Colonial churches,
and Building Materials was presented, followed by the discussion on the Philippine Building Typology where the participants learned about the different building types developed by UPD-ICE. A quiz where participants were asked to identify the building type of various structures was given afterwards to strengthen their familiarization on the topic. In relation to this and in preparation for the use of the GeoMapperPH application, the Attributes in the REDAS Exposure Database Module (EDM) was discussed, where the participants learned the different building attributes found in different building types. The rest of the day was focused on the data preparation for GeoMapperPH and how to digitize building footprints using both desktop and mobile application in preparation for the data inputting the next day.
In the Day 2 of the training, the participants had a hands-on exercise on the introduction to LGUs Exposure Database using the REDAS software, as well 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 where participants were able to observe how the survey questions were answered answered using the two platforms. Afterwards, the participants had the chance to experience the digitization and survey of at least four structures in the Province of Lanao del Norte as a required output to complete the training.
Unfortunately, on the initial schedule (December 17) of the last day of the training, the participants’ area was affected by typhoon Odette, which therefore resulted to the last day not pushing through. Hence, the day 3 of the training was rescheduled on December 28. The last day of the training was focused on lectures on data management or the double checking of surveyed data for errors and updates -- an essential part of exposure data development. 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.
Other topics that were covered in this training are the Exposure Database Development Collection Using MiVue, Experiences in Exposure Database Development of LGUs, and Exposure Database Development for Cebu City Project (SWERVE Project).
Despite experiencing some technical difficulties brought by the effects of the typhoon, the training was still successfully completed. Some of the way forward action plans presented by the participants include targeting a pilot municipality to digitize and survey structures in GeoMapperPH, in coordination with the municipalities from the first batch of the training.
Based on the evaluation form responses, the participants were able to learn different skills and knowledge on the training. Participants shared that they learned the significance of exposure databases especially its usage on various hazard assessments. They were also delighted that the speakers and facilitators were very welcoming in approaching the participants.
