MGB 7 Backs Mandaue City’s Initiative for Barangay Geohazard Mapping

Following the challenges brought about by Typhoon Tino last year, and as part of its ongoing partnership with Mandaue City, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 7 (MGB7) provided technical expertise to the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) during a week-long training held from March 2 to 6, 2026, at Maayo Hotel.

Led by the MDRRMO, the program aimed to equip all 27 barangays with essential risk-mapping skills to enhance local disaster resilience. MGB 7’s timely response to the city’s request in the wake of Typhoon Tino further demonstrated its commitment to empowering local government units through focused technical guidance.

Collaborative Technical Support

The training emphasized hands-on use of QGIS, advancing from basic map interpretation to generating detailed hazard data. Geologists Russyl Bryile, Anthony Q. Lanzaderas, and Ronnel S. Dalugdog from MGB-7 served as facilitators, collaborating with city personnel to merge official geohazard datasets with local land-use information.

MGB-7 team assisted participants in identifying landslide- and flood-prone areas, ensuring thorough documentation of hazards within each barangay. Attendees were guided to leverage this information when designating evacuation centers and mapping out safe pathways for communities.

At the conclusion of the five-day program, delegates from all 27 barangays had created risk maps tailored to their localities. These vital resources empower them to make informed decisions during emergencies and focus on mitigation projects grounded in scientific evidence, fostering a shift from subjective assessments to data-driven disaster management.

Bridging Expertise

Throughout the technical process, the two offices worked in close coordination. Jayzon C. Sebial, a GIS specialist from the Mandaue City Planning and Development Office, led the city’s risk mapping efforts, while the MGB-7 team offered technical supervision to guarantee accurate interpretation of geohazard data. Their collaboration resulted in risk maps that were both scientifically robust and seamlessly aligned with the city’s strategic plans.

MGB7 OIC, RD Al Emil G. Berador emphasized the importance of collaboration, sharing, “It’s always an honor to support our local partners in Mandaue City. Real progress happens when we work together, and MGB 7 will always be here to help our LGUs protect their communities and ensure a safer future for everyone.”

Buddy Alain C. Ybañez, head of the MDRRMO, thanked MGB-7 for its assistance, highlighting that the project exemplifies effective collaboration between national agencies and local offices in building community resilience. (Heart Rizarri/IO)