LGU’s Urged to Use MGB Geohazard Maps

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) called on all local chief executives to make use of the more detailed geo-hazard maps in disaster preparedness.

In the recently held Kapihan sa PIA Cebu, MGB-7 officials said they were done with the geo-hazard mapping of all local government units in Region 7.

“We already provided the concerned LGUs with the maps which are now 1:10,000 scale, more detailed,” according to Al Emil Berador, MGB-7 Geosciences Division chief.

Earlier this year, they launched the distribution in the province of Siquijor alongside an information education and communication activity.

The maps include flood and landslide prone areas and are readily accessible and printable from the MGB website.

Berador said these maps are already more detailed compared to the previous maps they produced which were only on a 1:50,000 scale.

Supervising Geoloogist Ma. Elena Lupo said the barangay captains or disaster heads can request for a complete list of flood and landslide prone places.

“There is already a directive integrating the maps into the Comprehensive Land Use Planning of the locality,” Lupo said.

Unfortunately, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) does not have the power to sanction the barangay captains, mayors and governors who are not making use of the available maps.

MGB officials added that two other mappings are ongoing.

These include the Subsidence Hazard Mapping and the Coastal Area Geo Hazard Mapping.

The  Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program began during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Its main objective is to identify areas in the country which are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards, or geohazards.

The program also seeks to provide information to various stakeholders to lessen or mitigate the impact of these events. (rmn/fcc/PIA-Cebu)