DOST-PHIVOLCS in partnership with DOST Region IX conducted the REDAS Module 5 Training last October 21-25, 2024 at D’Hotel and Suites, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. The training entitled “Development of Community-Based Early Warning System for Tsunami-Prone Areas of the Philippines using REDAS Tsunami Simulation Module (TsuSIM)” was headed by PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, Associate Scientist and REDAS Program Coordinator Dr. Maria Leonila P. Bautista, and REDAS Course Advisers Dr. Bartolome C. Bautista, Ishmael C. Narag, and Engr. Angelito G. Lanuza. Speakers and facilitators from PHIVOLCS and a guest speaker from OCD Region IX discussed the lectures and hands-on exercises. The participants were from the LGUs of the three provinces of Region IX: Zamboanga del Norte LGUs (PDRRMO, Baliguian, Dapitan City, Dipolog City, Gutalac, Jose Dalman, Labason, Leon B. Postigo, Liloy, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, Rizal, Salug, Sibuco, Sibutad, Sindangan, Siocon and Sirawai), Zamboanga del Sur LGUs (PDRRMO, Dimataling, Dinas, Dumalinao and Lapuyan) and Zamboanga Sibugay LGUs (PDRRMO, Alicia, Buug, Ipil, Mabuhay, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga, Payao, Roseller T. Lim and Siay); DILG Zamboanga del Norte, DOST IX and Jose Rizal Memorial State University.
The training began with an opening ceremony in which PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol delivered his opening remarks.
Photo 1: PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol during his Opening Remarks
The first day of the training focused on lectures on Tsunami Hazard and Tsunami Hazard Mapping in the Philippines in preparation for the hands-on exercises on Day 2. On the second day of the training, the participants were given a series of hands-on exercises on the use of REDAS TsuSIM. Participants were asked to simulate a Magnitude 8.3 Sulu Trench Earthquake scenario and generate a tsunami animation using the tool. They were also able to estimate for tsunami impact using a sample exposure data in a barangay in Dipolog City.
Photo 2: Sample feature-based impact result on Brgy. Central (Pob.), Dipolog City using REDAS TsuSIM
Photo 3. Tsunami animation of the magnitude 8.3 Sulu Trench earthquake using REDAS TsuSIM
On the third day, the participants were given lectures on National Tsunami Risk Mitigation Program, Tsunami Early Warning System, 12 indicators for UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Program and Tsunami Signages. Using their learnings from the previous days, they were required to digitize a tsunami evacuation route on Brgy. Miputak in Dipolog City using TsuSIM. The fourth day of the training was dedicated to the tsunami drill exercise conducted on the same barangay. In this exercise, the participants were tasked with following a designated evacuation route, beginning at a starting point near the shore and proceeding to a designated safe zone or evacuation site. During the conducted way-forward discussion on this day, the participants presented their actions plans on the 12 indicators for UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition.
Photo 4: Tsunami Drill Exercise at the Brgy. Miputak, Dipolog City
The concluding day of the five-day training was spent on the Graduation Ceremony. Nuhman M. Aljani, Chief Science Research Specialist of PSTO Zamboanga del Norte, gave his closing remarks during this ceremony. A total of 45 participants graduated from the training course.
Photo 5: Group photo of participants and DOST-PHIVOLCS Facilitators during the last day of the training
