Department of Science and Technology

Department of Science and Technology

Geosciences Division intensifies IEC drive

 “ Public awareness about geologic hazards is important to mitigate its impact”, said Regional Director Engr. Mario A, Ancheta during the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) drive on Geohazard Assessment and Mapping Program at Valley Hotel, Alimanao Hills, Penablanca, Cagayan.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau thru its Geosciences Division intensified its IEC campaign by inviting local leaders and their barangay officials to inform them on the impacts of geologic hazards in the community.

Lectures focused on rain-induced landslide hazard, flood hazard and hazard in Karst Areas.

The IEC drive likewise presented to the LGUs of Tuguegarao City and Penablanca, Cagayan the 1:10,000 flood and landslide susceptibility maps of their respective barangays.

Geologists from MGB R0II explained to the local officials the use of the maps that will serve as their guides in their community-based disaster preparedness plans, comprehensive land use plans, development plans and identification of relocation sites in case of landslide and flooding incidents in their area.

In the year 2014, the Bureau has already completed the assessment of 93 cities/municipalities and over 2,000 barangays in the Cagayan Valley Region for their 1:10,000 mapping scale.

For 2015 onwards, MGB has been conducting region-wide IEC to educate the local government officials on geohazard. #LRB

Intensive IEC in Batanes Province held

In the effort of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. II (MGB R0II) to provide vital information in order to mitigate the impacts of geologic hazards, the bureau initiated     an intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on its Geohazard Assessment Program in Batanes Province.

The said IEC through its Geosciences Division capacitated the residents of Batanes about the National Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program of the Bureau with the primordial objective to identify areas in the country that are susceptible to geologic hazards.

The Geohazard Program comprises of major activities such as survey of areas that are prone to natural hazards, printing and reproduction of maps and other information materials for dissemination, and conduct of IEC for proper awareness.

The bureau has already completed the 1:50,000 mapping scale in the year 2010 and 1:10,000 scale in 2014 where 93 cities/ municipalities and 2,311 barangays were assessed.

For 2015 onwards, MGB R0II has been conducting intensive IEC region-wide with the primary objective to increase awareness and preparedness of communities on geologic hazards.

“ We cannot prevent disasters, we can only lessen its impact on people and in our communities,” Jose de los Santos Jr., Senior Science Research Specialist.

Barangay officials from Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang and Uyugan attended the said IEC where the MGB team discussed about rain-induced landslide hazard, flood hazard and hazard in Karst Areas.

“We can only lessen its impact that pose danger in our lives and properties through proper awareness that these types of disasters,” the Senior Science Research Specialist added.

Geohazard maps and posters were also disseminated per barangay after the lecture.

The maps will serve as their guides in their community-based disaster preparedness plans, in updating of the Comprehensive Land Use Plans and in their development plans needed for mitigating measures on the impact of geohazards in their community. #LRB

MGB-R02 initiates Public Consultation in Coastal Town of Dinapigue, Isabela

by: Leilani Taladtad

The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Team particularly on the Mineral Reservation Project of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region II (MGB R0II) headed by Engr. Geoffrey V. Prado recently conducted an information dissemination regarding the proposed establishment of Mineral Reservation Project in the Municipality of Dinapigue, Isabela.

The Team paid courtesy call to Mayor Reynaldo D. Derije informing him of the the purpose of the activity and asked for his permission for the presentation before the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) during their regular session; and the conduct of public consultation with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) group and the Officials of some identified barangays.

At the SB session, the team was given the whole morning to present the project. As an opening salvo, Mrs. Leilani P. Talattad, Administrative Officer IV thanked the body for accommodating the team, presented briefly the activities to be done in the area for the whole week, particularly the conduct of information dissemination on the proposed establishment of Mineral Reservation Project.                  

Unanimously, the members of the Sangguniang Bayan Board did not show any sign of negativity on the proposed establishment of the project after their issues and concerns were satisfactorily answered by Engr. Prado.

On the conduct of public hearing, the Indigenous Peoples group expressed their eagerness to open small scale mining operation in their areas to immediately address their problem on poverty.

Engr. Prado said that as soon as all the technicalities are in place, the IPs will be given the priority to benefit from the project as assured under the IPRA Law.

PLGU RECOMMENDS OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE FCF STEERING COMMITTEE.

By Josie V. Jose

In an attempt to complete the membership and representation of the various local governance to the FCF Steering Committee as partner in the implementation of its Scholarship Program, the Provincial Local Government of Nueva Vizcaya has officially designated Engr. Edgardo D. Sabado, EnP,MPA, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator as its official representative. 

The implementation of the Geosciences Program is a mandate of the company pursuant to the provisions of the 1995 Mining Act, particularly in reference to the DENR Administrative Order 2010-21, of which the FCF Scholarship Program has been conceptualized and implemented early on since SY 2011-2012 to give assistance to financially-challenged but academically gifted students earn their college degree preferably along the Geosciences courses.Read More >>