The state-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (Phivolcs) conducted a six-day seminar-workshop in Dumaguete City on rapid earthquake damage assessment system (REDAS).
Participants from the different local government units of Negros Oriental, as well as from nearby Region 7 provinces of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor and some from Negros Occidental attended the seminar-workshop which reeled off Monday through Saturday.
The activity was hosted by the provincial government of Negros Oriental, through the Provincial Planning & Development Office, in partnership with the League of Local Planning & Development Coordinators headed by Provincial Planning Officer Joy Gongob.
The activity focuses on the use of the REDAS software to mainstream disaster risk reduction and hazard assessment into land use planning at the local government level and with the provincial development and physical framework plan.
Government agencies are asked to integrate their individual plans for disaster risk reduction and response as well as possible solutions in time of calamity.
Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said it is an honor for the provincial government to host such activity with participants coming from all over the Central Visayas region as well as from neighboring provinces.
Degamo said the Phivolcs was invited to conduct the seminar-workshop to enhance existing knowledge as well as learn new methods and mitigating measures during earthquakes.
The activity is the Province’s strong commitment to be prepared and respond to calamities and target zero casualties, he said.
Participants included disaster coordinating council coordinators and planning officers, and other officials from the different towns, cities and provinces represented.
Phivolcs Deputy Director Dr. Bartolome Bautista was present during Monday’s opening of the seminar-workshop held at a local hotel in Dumaguete. (PNA)
