THE Provincial Government of Pampanga has forged an agreement with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on the training of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) personnel on earthquake preparedness using computer software.
Governor Dennis Pineda and Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolor signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the project at the capitol on May 22, 2023.
The MOA signing makes available the use of Redas (Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System) software developed by Phivolcs in 2002 under a Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-GIA Project.
The signing was witnessed by PDRRM Officer Angelina Blanco and Provincial Administrator Charlie Chua.
The Redas complements Phivolcs' Earthquake Intensity Meter installed at the Provincial Command and Control Center of the PEO Compound in Barangay Sinadalan in the City of San Fernando.
The software can simulate earthquake hazards such as ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunami.
The software can also compute earthquake impacts in terms of physical damage, casualties, and economic loss.
The DOST said that Redas was originally conceived for use in earthquake hazard and impact assessment, other multi-hazard maps including hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, storm surge, and rain-induced landslides are already incorporated into the software and can likewise be displayed by users.
Participants in the training are also taught how to develop their own exposure database using an Android application.
Redas was developed by Phivolcs. It is now being shared with local government units as a tool for emergency preparedness, contingency planning, and more importantly for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the local development planning process.
PDRRMO chief Angie Blanco said the training is now underway with the participation of PDRRMO personnel and technical staff from different municipalities of the province.
Through the earthquake intensity meter, geologists and technical experts in the province will immediately know the strength or extent of an earthquake when one hits Pampanga.
The PDRRMO said four early warning systems have been installed in the town of Arayat after recording several incidents of landslides in the mountain.
Authorities have also conducted a survey for the construction of a debris barrier in Mount Arayat after the Department of Public Works and Highways accepted the governor's appeal to allocate funds for engineering interventions to ensure the safety of residents.
Pineda thanked Phivolcs for the support given to the province.
DOST data shows that 71 provinces, 21 cities/municipalities, 30 state universities and colleges (SUCs), 67 private companies, 10 non-government organizations, and five government institutions had been trained on the use of the Redas software.