Metro Manila and Cebu City, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) has deployed an eight-member team of geologists, consisting of six from the Central Office and two from Regional Office VII, to conduct a comprehensive Post-Disaster Geohazards Assessment across several areas in Cebu Province. The assessment aims to identify zones susceptible to flooding, rain-induced landslides, ground subsidence, and sinkhole formation.
The initiative aims to enhance public safety and guide local government units (LGUs) in land-use planning and disaster risk reduction, particularly in communities situated on karst terrains characterized by limestone formations that are prone to dissolution and collapse.
According to Assistant Secretary Michael V. Cabalda, the assessment involves ground validation and geohazards data analysis. “This study will enable us to pinpoint areas susceptible to flooding, rain-induced landslides, and those areas with high potential for ground subsidence and provide technical recommendations to LGUs for proper zoning, building regulation, and emergency preparedness,” the MGB Director said.
Preliminary surveys have already been conducted in the proposed Tent City, Barangay Cogon, Bogo City, where several sinkhole-prone zones have been identified. Initial assessment results were presented then by the MGB Geohazards OpCen during the NIACC meeting conducted on October 5, 2025 at Camp Aguinaldo. MGB geologists are coordinating closely with the NIACC, DHSUD, and OCD, and remind the public that human activities, such as uncontrolled development and improper drainage, can accelerate the occurrence of subsidence in karst areas.
“This assessment is part of our continuing efforts to protect lives and properties by ensuring that communities are aware of their geological risks,” the bureau emphasized.
The results of the Post-Disaster Geohazards Assessment will be shared with local officials, the NDRRMC, and other concerned partners and made available to the public through MGB’s National Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program.
