Local officials from Malabuyoc and Samboan took a deeper look at their communities’ vulnerabilities during a two-day IEC Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps (REMs) held on November 18–19, 2025. Led by Senior Geologist Ma. Elena S. Lupo, the activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of LGUs to interpret and use REMs produced under the 2021 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project—critical tools for evidence-based planning and disaster preparedness.

The VRA Project enhances traditional geohazard maps by integrating several key data layers:

• 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Information showing areas prone to landslides, flooding, and other hazards.

• 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Data identifying which sectors and locations are most at risk.

• 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 such as roads, schools, hospitals, and public buildings.

• 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 highlighting communities and households exposed to hazards.

• 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 which overlays vulnerability and exposure information onto hazard maps to show precisely which assets are at risk and to what extent.

Together, these data form the Risk Exposure Maps—essential references that help LGUs craft more effective Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs), improve evacuation strategies, and prioritize mitigation efforts.

The workshop featured presentations from Senior Geologist Ma. Elena Lupo, Geologist Miguela Mae Gonzales, GIS Specialist Genere John Sarpamones and, Information Officer Hearty Marie Rizarri. Topics covered geologic hazards, the National Geohazard Assessment and Mapping Program, VRA methodology, GAD mainstreaming, and the presentation of updated susceptibility and risk exposure maps.

Participants remained engaged throughout the sessions—raising practical concerns, sharing local experiences, and testing their understanding through hands-on map interpretation exercises designed around real scenarios.

By day’s end, many attendees expressed appreciation for the clarity and relevance of the workshop, noting that they now have a stronger grasp of how REMs can support safer planning, informed decision-making, and a more resilient future for their communities. (Heart Rizarri)