REDAS training to strengthen Cebu’s LGUs in disaster risk assessment capabilities

 CEBU CITY – The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Region VII conducted the 5-day training on the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) for the second batch of Cebu’s local government units (LGUs) on March 23-27 in Cebu City following the successful first batch training on March 9-13 this year.

DOST-7 regional director, Tristan Abando told this writer that the REDAS training is part of DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities program that aims to further strengthen the capabilities of all LGUs in disaster risk assessment and planning through the use of science-based tools.

“It is important to equip the local government units with science-based tools.  To build disaster-resilient communities starts with informed decision-making and the effective use of technologies like REDAS. Through lectures, hands-on exercises, and field activities, participants gained practical knowledge in hazard simulation, exposure database development, and impact assessment,” Abando said.

REDAS, a software developed by DOST-PHIVOLCS, generates hazard maps and estimates the potential impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, floods, severe wind, tsunami, and landslides. It is crucial for the LGUs to know how to use this tool, Abando added.

Meanwhile, DOST-7, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the municipality of Alcantara, Cebu also convened on March 24 to initiate the Smart and Sustainable Alcantara Roadmap. 

The partnership builds on the strong foundation already established through the Alcantara “Communities with Access to Relevant and Equitable Primary Healthcare Services” (CARES) initiative which has spent the past year building local capacity and developing robust community health data.

Abando said that by harmonizing these existing efforts with DOST’s “SMART and Sustainable Cities and Communities” framework, the town aims to transition toward data-driven, tech-enabled governance.  “Based on the groundwork already completed, the roadmap identifies two critical starting points for the municipality-- Water Quality Testing Facility and Food and Nutrition Interventions.”

Alcantara town wants to establish a localized facility to ensure consistent access to safe, potable water, and deploy scientific solutions and DOST-developed technologies to combat malnutrition and bolster local food security. 

"We are taking the groundwork from Alcantara CARES and supercharging it with scientific interventions, such as knowledge in hazard simulation, exposure database development, and impact assessment,” the partners stated. (Photos: DOST-7)