The Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 (MGB 7) recently conducted a Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps (REMs) in the Municipality of Borbon, Province of Cebu, on June 10, 2026, as part of its Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign under the Bureau’s Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project.
Organized by the MGB 7 Geosciences Division, the full-day activity aimed to equip key local government officials and personnel with the technical knowledge and practical skills to understand, interpret, and use REMs for disaster risk reduction and management planning. Specifically, the campaign sought to provide LGUs with technical information to mitigate potential losses and damage from geologic hazards — particularly rain-induced landslides and flooding — determine areas and levels of risk, and raise public awareness among communities residing in vulnerable zones.
Recognizing that effective use of the maps begins with proper understanding at the community level, MGB 7 ensured that the right stakeholders were present. Participants included the Mayor or Vice Mayor, Municipal Councilors, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, the Municipal Engineer, the Municipal Planning and Development Officer, and Sangguniang Barangay representatives. Also enjoined were representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Municipal Local Government Operations Office (MLGOO), the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), the Local Commission on Indigenous Peoples (LCIP), the Municipal Gender and Development Office (GAD), and the Women’s Organization.
OIC-Chief of the Geosciences Division, Josephine T. Aleta and Geologist Ronnel S. Daludog opened the technical discussions with a presentation on understanding geologic hazards, geohazard assessment activities, VRA Methodology, etc.
GIS Specialist Genere John B. Sarpamones then walked participants through the production of the Risk Exposure Maps (REMs), detailing how geospatial data layers — including population, built-up areas, and road networks — were processed and overlaid with hazard susceptibility data to generate maps identifying areas and communities at risk. The technical portion further covered the methods used, data requirements and their sources, the assessment results, and the scope and limitations of the VRA project.
Information Officer Heart Rizarri discussed Gender and Development Mainstreaming in the VRA Project, highlighting the distinct roles and vulnerabilities of men and women during disasters, as well as how these considerations are integrated into risk-reduction planning.
A hands-on map-reading exercise facilitated by Ms. Aleta followed, during which participants were guided in reading and interpreting the REMs for their respective areas — a segment that drew notable audience engagement. An open forum was also conducted at the end of the presentations and exercise.
Concluding the program, Risk Exposure Maps, updated Geohazard Maps, IEC posters, and a training manual were distributed to participants, followed by the awarding of Certificates of Participation.
Through this initiative, MGB 7 reinforces its commitment to building geohazard-resilient communities — empowering LGUs with science-based tools and translating complex geologic data into actionable plans for land use, evacuation, and disaster risk reduction. (Heart Rizarri/IO)
