The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 7 (MGB 7) lent its technical expertise to a group of fourth-year Information Technology students from the University of Cebu Banilad on June 23, 2025, supporting a capstone project that could redefine how communities detect and respond to landslide threats.

The students are developing SlopeSense, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based early-warning and monitoring system capable of detecting real-time changes in rainfall intensity, soil moisture, and ground movement — key precursors to landslides.

During the interview, Senior Geologist R Russyl Bryile Anthony Q. Lanzaderas provided technical guidance to the students and fielded their questions. The team formally requested access to Region VII hazard maps, geohazard assessment reports, and historical landslide data spanning the past five years.

OIC-Geosciences Division Josephine T. Aleta, who was present during the inquiry session, expressed strong institutional support for the initiative.

“MGB 7 very much welcomes student-led research, especially one that addresses Cebu’s longstanding vulnerability to landslides. If this system succeeds, it will be a significant contribution not only to the government’s disaster risk reduction efforts but also to the communities most at risk. We are happy to be part of that journey,” she said.

The SlopeSense project exemplifies how homegrown tech talent and expert mentorship can address Cebu’s natural hazard risks. MGB 7 encourages such collaborations as a blueprint for disaster resilience across the region.

SlopeSense’s development team includes John Paul Jesus Pelayo (Capstone Project Manager), Tristan Jiv Baga, Trexie Loui B. Elvas, and Andre Misa—all fourth-year BS Information Technology students from the University of Cebu Banilad, ready to make a difference. (Heart Rizarri/IO)