“We recognize that the media has always been our partner in spreading the information that geohazard mapping and assessment generates. This helps our agency reach out to the local government and communities in our goal to reduce if not totally mitigate the destructive effects and impacts of natural hazards such as rain-induced landslides and floods to people,” said Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 6 (MGB RO-6) during a Press Conference today at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.
The Press Con is one of the activities of the MGB RO-6 this month in line with its 117th anniversary celebration.
Fifteen members of the print and broadcast media in Iloilo attended the said press conference. Ms. Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon, Chief of the Finance and Administrative Division and concurrent Planning Officer of the MGB RO-6 gave an overview of the programs and services and policy updates of the bureau. Also present were the chiefs of the technical divisions of MGB RO-6 namely, Engr. Rene B. de la Cruz of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD), Engr. Florian D. Jimenez of the Mine Management Division and Ms. Mae Magarzo of the Geosciences Division(GD).
MGB RO-6 key officials highlighted the agency’s programs and services particularly the National Geohazards Mapping and Assessment Program, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA), Sub-surface Assessment (Karst Subsidence –Sinkholes Mapping), Groundwater Resources Assessment with Resistivity Survey, 1:10,000 Coastal Geohazard and Impact of Climate Change Program, National Greening Program, Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), Information, Education and Communication (IEC), and recent regulatory policies particularly Executive Order No. 79 and specific concerns on its implementation.
RD Juguan further gave an overview of the MGB’s thrusts and priorities for 2016 which continue to focus on vulnerability and risk assessments and building a more informed and resilient communities to climate change.
“In view of the disasters brought about by typhoons and other natural phenomenon in the recent years, the need to increase the awareness of people and warnings on natural hazards such as landslides and floods has been more crucial than ever. We recognize and appreciate that the media has been our key partner in disseminating relevant information on this matter,” RD Juguan concluded. Photo Gallery