Negros Occidental, November 5–9, 2024 – Demonstrating commitment to disaster risk reduction, geologists from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office recently served as resource speakers and facilitators in a five-day Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment (REDAS) training for the Province of Negros Occidental. The training is conducted by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and was designed to strengthen local capacities in earthquake damage assessment and flood risk management. This took place at the Negros Residences, Bacolod City from November 5 to 9, 2024.

Senior Geologist Julius Vincent P. Umali and Geologist II Jethro B. Capino, both from the MGB’s Lands Geological Survey Division – Geohazard and Engineering Geology Section, led sessions on Understanding Geologic Hazards (Rain-induced Landslides and Flood) and REDAS Flood Loss Assessment Tool (FLOAT). FLOAT was co-developed by PHIVOLCS with MGB and deals with flood impact assessment.

The MGB has been a strong supporter and active partner of the REDAS software and training. This initiative reflects MGB’s dedication to enhancing community resilience through knowledge-sharing and advanced geological studies, promoting environmental protection, socio-economic development, and public safety. By providing expert guidance, Messrs. Umali and Capino empowered local authorities and stakeholders with essential tools and techniques for effective disaster response.

By: Lands Geological Survey Division

Geologist II Jethro B. Capino during his lecture entitled ‘Understanding Geologic Hazards (Rain-induced Landslides and Floods)’

Senior Geologist Julius Vincent P. Umali during the hands-on exercise on the FLoAT Module