DOST Trains Abra LGUs to Use GeoRiskPH Tools for Better Disaster Risk Planning

April 10, 2026

3–4 minutes

Local government units (LGUs) in Abra are strengthening their disaster preparedness and land-use planning through a specialized training program led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The initiative equips municipal officials with advanced digital tools designed to improve hazard and risk assessment, helping communities better prepare for natural disasters.

Scan the QR code to get this post on the go.

The training was organized by DOST through its Provincial Science and Technology Office and focused on the GeoRiskPH platform, a suite of digital applications that enables local governments to analyze hazards and manage geospatial data more effectively.

Hands-On Training in Hazard Assessment Tools

Personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices and Municipal Planning and Development Offices of Tayum, Tineg, and Tubo participated in the intensive workshop. The training provided practical experience using key GeoRiskPH tools, including Hazard Hunter PH, GeoAnalyticsPH, and GeoMapperPH.

These platforms allow LGUs to build and maintain geo-databases that support disaster risk assessment, data collection, and information sharing. By integrating these tools into their planning processes, local governments can make more informed decisions when developing policies, infrastructure projects, and community safety strategies.

Strengthening Local Disaster Preparedness

According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Project Technical Specialist Gabriel Angelo M. Rondin, the tools are particularly important for provinces like Abra, which are vulnerable to earthquakes and landslides.

“Itong mga software na ito ang magagamit ng mga LGUs natin for hazard assessment. So, for our country, most especially here in Abra na prone sa natural calamities like earthquakes and landslides, this will capacitate them from preparation and gathering of exposure data as basis ng kanilang assessment.”

Through the platform, local officials can gather critical exposure data and analyze potential risks within their communities. This enables them to create evidence-based strategies for disaster risk reduction and improve their emergency response planning.

Supporting Local Land Use Planning

For local planners, the digital tools also offer valuable support for long-term development planning.

Engr. Jaylord Tumalip from the Tayum Municipal Planning and Development Office highlighted how the applications can assist in crafting the municipality’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

“Useful daytoy lalo ti application na ti Comprehensive Land Use Plan diay Tayum. Most especially diay Hazard Hunter, ti maysa nga feature na diay alarm nu adda earthquake isu nga dakkel ti tulong na especially ti DRRM,” Tumalip said.

[These are useful, especially for our Comprehensive Land Use Plan in Tayum. Also, in the Hazard Hunter, one of its features is its alarm during an earthquake. This will aid our DRRM.]

Part of the CEST Program

The training was conducted under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aims to strengthen communities by integrating science-based solutions into local governance.

DOST has been expanding the reach of this initiative across Abra. In the previous year, the agency also facilitated similar GeoRiskPH training sessions for other LGUs that are beneficiaries of the CEST program.

By building technical capacity at the local level, the program helps ensure that disaster preparedness and development planning are guided by accurate data and modern technology. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

Source: pia.gov.ph

Based on today’s article, we recommend the following items to help add to your family’s preparedness score:

Note: We only recommend items we believe adds real value to your safety plan. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.