The staff and employees of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Central Visayas (MGB-7) are made aware of the natural hazards they are likely to face in their own communities during the in-house geohazard information drive.

“A widespread public awareness is the key to reducing loss of life and damage of properties caused by natural disasters,” said MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.

He said public awareness and education of hazards and risks brought about by geological phenomena such as landslide, flooding and karst subsidence is as important as disaster response. Public awareness and public education for disaster risk reduction empower the communities to address vulnerabilities.

The bureau has been making rounds in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol and some areas in Cebu to conduct information education and communication (IEC) campaign on geohazards based on the geohazard mapping conducted.

Last week, the bureau held a geohazard lecture among the staff.  Alburo recognized the need to enhance further the education of the people working at the bureau so they could help in the proper dissemination of information to their individual communities. A modest awareness program was then conducted last week by the Chief of Geosciences Division, Al Emil Berador.

The Philippines is prone to various types of disasters caused by geological and climatic factors making everyone vulnerable to all types of natural disasters. The country is located within the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire which makes the country vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Aside from that at least nine cyclones develop in the Philippines every year according to Pagasa that may cause landslide and flooding.

It is then important that public awareness on the geohazard and public education for disaster risk reduction must not be limited to local government officials – it begins with an individual awareness.