Science-Powered Disaster Preparedness Takes a Major Step Forward in Benguet
Benguet has made history by becoming the first province in the Philippines where every municipality has officially committed to using the GeoRiskPH platform, a science-based disaster risk assessment system designed to help communities prepare for earthquakes, landslides, floods, and typhoons.
The milestone was marked during the 2026 First Semester Engagement of the Provincial Science, Technology, and Innovation Coordinating Committee of Benguet held in La Trinidad on May 26, where all 13 municipal governments signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS).
A Unified Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction
The agreement brings together DOST-PHIVOLCS, DOST-CAR, the Provincial Government of Benguet, and local government units in a shared effort to improve disaster preparedness through the use of modern scientific tools and data-driven planning.
The initiative also reinforces the objectives of Republic Act 10121 (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) and Republic Act 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009) by promoting proactive hazard assessment instead of reactive disaster response.
Mabelline Cahulogan of DOST-PHIVOLCS provides an overview of the GeoRiskPH during the memorandum of agreement signing for the institutional adoption of GeoRiskPH in Benguet. RMC PIA-CAR
What Is GeoRiskPH?
GeoRiskPH is a multi-agency platform led by DOST-PHIVOLCS that provides local governments with access to advanced hazard mapping and risk analysis tools.
Among its key applications are:
- HazardHunterPH – identifies site-specific hazards
- GeoAnalyticsPH – provides disaster risk analytics
- GeoMapperPH – offers geospatial information for planning
- PlanSmart Ready to Rebuild – supports safer recovery and development planning
These tools enable government officials, planners, and disaster managers to make informed decisions that can reduce risks and save lives.
GeoRiskPH complements other government initiatives that improve disaster readiness, including the recently launched HANDA disaster preparedness platform, which integrates hazard monitoring and early warning systems into a single digital hub.
Why It Matters for Benguet
Benguet’s mountainous terrain makes many of its communities vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, typhoons, and earthquakes. By integrating GeoRiskPH into everyday planning and disaster management operations, local governments can better identify high-risk areas and prepare appropriate mitigation measures before emergencies occur.
DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog emphasized that adopting the platform is only the first step. She reminded local officials that the real challenge is integrating science-based information into routine disaster risk reduction and management activities.
She pointed to the destructive landslides and typhoons that affected Benguet in 2025 as evidence of the need for better preparedness and data-driven decision-making.
Similar science-driven approaches are already being adopted elsewhere in the country. For example, Taguig City recently mapped soil types across its barangays to help residents and planners better understand earthquake risks before “The Big One.”
Building Risk-Informed Governance
In a message delivered by PHIVOLCS Supervising Research Science Specialist Mabelline Cahulogan, DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol described the signing as an important milestone for the province.
He said:
“GeoRiskPH was built not merely as a technology platform but as a shared public digital infrastructure that connects hazard science, geospatial intelligence, and decision-support tools.”
According to Bacolcol, improving access to harmonized and actionable risk information is particularly important for Benguet, where geographical and environmental conditions create complex disaster challenges.
GeoRiskPH is also being actively introduced to local governments through specialized training programs. Earlier this year, Abra LGUs received hands-on training on HazardHunterPH, GeoAnalyticsPH, and GeoMapperPH, demonstrating how science can directly support local disaster planning.
A Historic First for the Country
DOST Benguet Provincial Director Sheila Marie Singa-Claver described the event as a landmark achievement.
“As validated by DOST-PHIVOLCS, Benguet is the very first province with all municipalities signing the MOA for the institutional adoption of GeoRiskPH.”
She credited the accomplishment to the collective commitment of Benguet’s municipal leaders, local legislative councils, and the provincial government in strengthening disaster resilience through science and innovation.
Looking Ahead
As climate-related hazards and seismic risks continue to challenge communities across the Philippines, Benguet’s province-wide adoption of GeoRiskPH may serve as a model for other local governments seeking to improve disaster preparedness through technology and evidence-based planning.
Science and technology are only one part of disaster resilience. Regular drills, safer infrastructure, and emergency planning remain equally important, as demonstrated by Iligan City’s hospital-wide earthquake drill and the growing emphasis on earthquake preparedness for businesses and industries across the country.
By combining scientific expertise with local governance, the province is taking a significant step toward building safer, more resilient communities capable of responding to future natural hazards.
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Recommended Further Reading
- Is Your Home Fault-Line Ready? A Structural Integrity Checklist for Metro Manila Homeowners
- How the Proximity to the West Valley Fault Affects Property Values in 2026
- Philippines Earthquake & Preparedness Weekly Report (Issue #001): June 20–26, 2026
- Preparing for the Big One: Essential Earthquake Survival Kit for Filipinos
- The Big One Philippines: What Experts Say About the Next Metro Manila Earthquake.
Source: pia.gov.ph
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