ILOILO City – The degree of vulnerability and potential risks of an area can be assessed based on the exposure of three factors to rain-induced landslides and floods, according to a geologist at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6.
These factors are population, built-up areas and roads, said Geologist Adrian Nichol Lizada of MGB’s Geosciences Division.
Lizada shared his knowledge and expertise on geologic hazards – particularly on landslides and floods – why they occur and how they affect the public in a lecture at the DENR Region 6 Activity Center in the city.
The June 14 lecture dubbed as “Understanding Geohazards, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, and Semi-Precious Stones (Gemstones) in Western Visayas” was attended by DENR Region 6 personnel.
Lizada said the vulnerability and risk assessment (VRA) of areas in Western Visayas is a “very important” program of the MGB.
He added that through the VRA, the degree of vulnerability and potential risks of an area can be characterized depending on the exposure of the three elements to rain-induced landslides and floods.
VRAs are conducted in line with the National Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program of the DENR.
It aims to provide additional technical information to local government units for a risk-sensitive land use and development as well as disaster risk reduction and management planning.
Lizada also presented the characteristics of semi-precious stones or gemstones which can be found in the municipalities of San Joaquin in Iloilo and Sibalom and San Remigio in Antique
Their potential for economic value was also explored. (With MGB, DENR Region 6/PN)
