To ensure a clear and effective disaster prevention and mitigation, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Central Visayas (MGB-7) conducted an intensive information drive to at least 218 villages in Negros Oriental to educate the public of their locality’s specific geological hazards.

The bureau has completed its 1:10,000 scale assessment and mapping and has identified areas susceptible to rain-induced landslide, and flooding. The maps are to be used in managing the natural threats.

By delivering accurate and understandable maps and lessons from previous disasters, MGB-7 hopes that the information campaign will be translated into effective disaster and evacuation plans and used as reference in development planning by the local government units.

A proactive local government unit and an informed citizenry will minimize and prevent adverse impact of calamities in the neighborhood.

Risk reduction officers, public school heads, barangay, town and provincial officials, members of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection were invited to join in the education and workshop conducted by the team from MGB-7.

At least 218 villages in Negros Oriental were made aware of the hazards in their communities in information, education, communication (IEC) campaign in the towns of Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, San Jose, Sibulan, Zamboanguita, Dauin, Bacong, Valencia, Dumaguete City.

Similar information drive for Cebu is ongoing and is being conducted by the Central Office. Cebu City, Toledo City and Asturias have already been visited.

Being aware of the hazards in the community is the first step to effective disaster mitigation says MGB-7 Director Loreto B. Alburo.

The participants were given a copy of the hazard maps and were empowered to map out evacuation routes and identify relocation sites in “safe” areas.

Maps are also available for download in government websites including MGB (http://gdis.denr.gov.ph/mgbviewer), DENR (www.denr.gov.ph), Environmental Science for Social Change (www.essc.org.ph) , Philippine Information Agency (www.pia.gov.ph)