The DOST-PHIVOLCS Quantitative Lahar Assessment Project (QLAP) in coordination with the REDAS Project and GeoRiskPH, organized two online trainings aimed at capacitating local government units (LGUs) from the provinces of Pampanga and Albay, selected state universities and colleges from Albay (Bicol University) and Pampanga (Don Honorio Ventura State University), DOST-PHIVOLCS employees, as well as partner agencies including DENR-MGB, DOST-PAGASA, and DOST-PCIEERD with tools that can be used in disaster risk reduction and management catered for lahar and flood hazards.
REDAS EDM Using GeoMapperPH
The virtual training on Exposure Database Development using REDAS EDM GeoMapperPH conducted from 14 to 17 June 2021 was attended by 23 participants and 5 observers. The training presented a short background of the DOST-PHIVOLCS Quantitative Lahar Assessment Project (QLAP), and covered lectures on the Introduction to the REDAS Exposure Data Module (REDAS EDM) using GeoMapperPH, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Quantitative Lahar Assessment Project (QLAP), the GeoRiskPH initiative, GeoMapperPH, and UPD-ICE Building Typology and building attributes. Hands-on training involved activities utilizing the GeoMapperPH web and mobile application such as digitization and assessment of building footprints (Figure 1).
Figure 1. A screenshot of digitized and assessed footprints by training participants from (A) Pampanga and (B) Albay provinces as seen on the GeoMapperPH interface. A total of 111 building footprints were digitized for Pampanga and 55 for Albay. Furthermore, 31 buildings were assessed for Pampanga and 27 for Albay.
An interactive lecture on sample answering of a selected building was discussed with the participants to show them how to fill in the REDAS EDM GeoMapperPH tool. Separate demonstration lectures on exposure database development and management were given. The participants were asked to submit action plans related to the development of their LGUs’ exposure database after the training. A total of 26 GeoMapperPH credentials was issued to participants.
REDAS Satellite Rainfall Monitor (SRM)
The REDAS Satellite Rainfall Monitor (SRM) was developed for the QLAP as an alternate satellite-based rainfall source, especially when ground-based data cannot be acquired near-real time. The launching of the SRM tool was done via a virtual training conducted from 22 to 23 June 2021 was attended by 31 participants and 5 observers. The participants comprised of members of municipal and provincial LGUs in the provinces of Pampanga and Albay, DOST-PHIVOLCS staff from VMEPD and GGRDD Dynaslope Project, representatives from Bicol University, Don Honorio Ventura State University, and Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and partner agencies DENR-MGB, DOST-PAGASA, and DOST-PCIEERD. Lectures discussed during the training encompassed weather and volcanic hazards, and an introduction to REDAS SRM. Hands-on activities focused on JAXA registration, installation and usage of the SRM tool and its features and downloading of historical and real-time rainfall data (Figure 2). In the Figure 2A, the daily accumulated rain values are shown in the graphs for TS Ondoy in 2009. In the timeline summary at the right side (Figure 2B), the participants were asked to correlate actions they did in their various localities when TS Ondoy occurred. This timeline review allowed them to take stock and evaluate the appropriateness of their action plans with a view to correlating rainfall values with actions on the ground. A total of 26 license keys for SRM v. 1.0.6 were provided to the participants.
Figure 2. Sample SRM data generated by the participants during the training. (A) Downloaded rainfall data of TS Ondoy (2009); and (B) Timeline of actions taken and action plans related to the flood event of TS Ondoy based on the SRM rainfall data.
Logistical and technical difficulties were faced by some participants during the training proper including local power interruptions, installation problems, etc. Nevertheless, the trainees expressed interest, eagerness, and appreciation in learning these new tools that will aid in their risk reduction and mitigation efforts, as well as land use planning in their respective provinces. The action plans prepared by the participants provided a way forward in continuing the application of these web tools that will be integrated in their research activities, planning and policy-building efforts.
The training was headed by DOST Undersecretary and DOST-PHIVOLCS Officer-In-Charge Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., REDAS Program Coordinator and DOST Associate Scientist Dr. Maria Leonila Bautista, QLAP Leader Dr. Perla Delos Reyes, REDAS Course Adviser, QLAP Consultant and REDAS developer Dr. Bartolome Bautista, and GeoRiskPH Project Leader Mabelline Cahulogan. Dr. Arturo Daag provided the concluding remarks for both of the training sessions. The speakers and facilitators for the two combined modules included Ma. Antonia Bornas, Dave Andrei Rivera, Danikko John Rivera, Abigail Pidlaoan, Hanz Cesar Alejandria, Ericson Bariso, Raymond Patrick Maximo, Robjunelieaaa Lim, Valerie Shayne Olfindo, Ynna Patricia Aquino, Conrado Favis, John Harold Tabuzo, Margarita Dizon, Marinel Degones, Samantha Claire Ativo, Selwyn Cabaluna Jr., Erizza Rose Santos, Vanessa Erestain, Wendellmina Gaurino, Ian Javier, John Deladia, Jordana Marie Argamosa, Engr. Nikka Marie Sales, Engr. Noel Rosario, Jr., Engr. Maria Teresa Llera, and Sarena Tarongoy,. Sharon Juliet Arruejo from DOST-PAGASA served as guest lecturer. The following figures show the photos of the above speakers and facilitators.
Speakers and facilitators for the PHIVOLCS-QLAP Exposure Database Development using REDAS EDM GeoMapperPH
