MOA with Philvolcs, DOST for earthquake damage assessment software up for study

VICE Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy referred to the City Council committee on police, fire and public safety chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo for appropriate action the proposed resolution authorizing the city mayor to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS-DOST).

The said MOA, which was found to be in legal order by the City Legal Office, covers the installation of a Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment Software (REDAS) at the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) members and concerned stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness.

The REDAS aims to produce seismic hazard and risk maps minutes after the occurrence of a potentially damaging earthquake. It can also be used to conduct multi-hazard and risk assessment at the provincial and municipal levels and as a tool for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the local development planning process, contingency planning and emergency planning, The Power learned.

Under the MOA, the city shall encourage identified planning officers, engineers and DRMMC members to actively participate in the activities, and to facilitate invitation of participants to the REDAS training. It shall also provide personnel, equipment, and logistical support for the attendance of their representatives, among others.

For its part, PHIVOLCS-DOST shall provide the REDAS software to the CPDO, CDRRMC and concerned stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness as endorsed by the city.

It shall also design training modules for REDAS, provide resource speakers, compile and provide training materials, and provide expertise, personnel and logistical support in the conduct of the REDAS training. (JAO)