Geohazard mapping for Nueva Vizcaya barangays nears completion

by Ben Moses Ebreo

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (November) — The Mines and Geo–Sciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB) is about to complete its National Geohazards Mapping and Assessment Program (NGMAP) in the province.

In a recent meeting, geologist Aljun Jacildo of the MGB’s Geo-Sciences Division said their agency have already accomplished 81 percent of the total 276 barangays that went under the NGMAP as of September this year.

“We are very glad that most of our local chief executives have shown positive attitude on our recommendations and reports. We hope that others will also show the same,” he said.

Jacildo said they are now about to complete the remaining 81 percent or 53 barangays under the NGMAP.

According to Jacildo, the NGMAP which involves data processing and integration, generation of hazard maps and report preparation serves as a crucial element in the decision making of local government units particularly on the preparation of their land use plans and their necessary modifications to prevent an impending loss of lives and properties due to threats of geohazard elements such as landslides, floods, erosions and earthquakes.

Upon completion of their geohazard reports that came from rapid filed assessment of landslide prone areas or barangays, Jacildo said the MGB shall issue landslide threat advisories to concerned local government units inorder to convince them in implementing the required safety measures in their communities and to ensure the protection of their constituents from geohazard threats.

He said their bureau is also conducting the preparation of Information, Education and Communication materials, conduct of on-site briefing for LGUs, conduct of lectures/seminars for various stakeholders and dissemination of IEC materials to various stakeholders to orient the general public on the importance of geohazard mapping to land use planning for a hazard–free community. (PIA NVizcaya)