MMSU Coaster, 16-S Quilling Sur, Batac (2026)

30/03/2026

Three COASTER papers published, now indexed in 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙨!

Papers presented during the 𝟦𝟨𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 (𝘈𝘊𝘙𝘚 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧) in Makassar, Indonesia are now indexed in Scopus accessible through Elsevier database.

1. "𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘼𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙩𝟥𝘿-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙐𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙮𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨" examined a localized Delft3D Flexible Mesh (D3D FM) model designed for Northwestern Luzon. Results revealed distinct trends in forecast accuracy depending on both typhoon characteristics and lead time. Overall, the model demonstrates very good predictive skill suitable for operational surge forecasting, providing a critical auxiliary tool for local disaster preparedness.

𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Mata, C. B., Duquez, C. W., Mata, T. J. A., Cabrera, O. C., & Alibuyog, N. R. (2025). Predictive ability of Delft3D-based storm surge forecasts using historical and forecasted typhoon tracks. In Proceedings of the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing: Harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability and Innovation. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031779137

2. "𝙀𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙍𝙋𝙎 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙮𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙗𝙧𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣, 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨" explored CHIRPS as a reliable alternative for hydrologic modeling in data-scarce and mountainous regions. Moreover, the water balance simulations using SWAT under climate change scenarios demonstrated that CHIRPS can be successfully extended for climate impact modeling, capturing shifts in hydrologic response.

𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Alibuyog, N. R., Dolores, S. B. F., Utrera, R. T., & Mata, C. B. (2025). Evaluating CHIRPS satellite-based rainfall data for hydrologic modeling and climate impact assessment in the Abra River Basin, Philippines. In Proceedings of the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing: Harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability and Innovation. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031776363

3. "𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙎𝙈𝙖𝙋 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙪𝙣𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖-𝙎𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣" focused on demonstrating the used of GSMap and addressed the lack of sufficient discharge data during typhoon events by using the calibrated and validated HEC-HMS model to generate upstream discharge estimates.

𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Longboy, M. G. L. P., Alibuyog, N. R., Utrera, R. T. & Zamuco, C. T. (2025). Assessing GSMaP Satellite-based Precipitation for Runoff Modeling in a Data-Scarce Mountainous Basin. In Proceedings of the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing: Harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability and Innovation. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105031763679

Full papers available here: https://mapin.or.id/acrs2025/proceedingacrs.html

24/03/2026

DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang and Party visit COASTER as part of the 2-day on-site assessment of Mariano Marcos State University’s readiness to potentially host the first-ever KIST Park in Northern Luzon.

10/03/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐖

𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘛𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯.

The 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑) participated in the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 (𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐖) organized by the 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 – 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧). The event was held on 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟔–𝟏𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧, bringing together researchers, innovators, government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners to showcase technologies and research initiatives addressing regional and national challenges.

During the exhibit, COASTER highlighted several of its research and development initiatives focused on coastal monitoring systems, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable coastal infrastructure. Visitors to the COASTER booth explored various technologies and research outputs designed to support coastal communities, particularly in reducing the impacts of coastal flooding, storm surges, and other climate-related hazards.

Through its participation in the 2026 RSTW, COASTER reaffirmed its commitment to advancing science-based solutions for coastal protection and environmental sustainability. The event also served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and public engagement, enabling research institutions like COASTER to contribute to building more resilient coastal communities and supporting the country’s science and technology agenda.

10/03/2026

COASTER Researchers Share Expertise with MMSU BSABE Students

Researchers from the Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center (COASTER) were invited by fourth-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) program of Mariano Marcos State University to share their professional experiences and technical expertise in key areas of agricultural and biosystems engineering as part of their seminar series.

The knowledge-sharing session featured two technical presentations highlighting current challenges and innovative approaches in water resources and coastal management.
Engr. Ma. Gloann Leizel P. Longboy delivered a lecture entitled “Integrated Flood Modeling for Watershed Management Using HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS” on February 25th. The session introduced students to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling techniques used to simulate watershed runoff and river flooding. Engr. Longboy discussed the application of the widely used modeling tools HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS in analyzing rainfall–runoff processes and flood propagation, demonstrating how these tools support watershed management, flood risk assessment, and infrastructure planning.

Meanwhile, COASTER Chief Engr. Christine B. Mata presented “Coastal Water Challenges: Groundwater Contamination and Storm Surge Modeling for Climate-Resilient Communities” on March 2nd. Her talk highlighted pressing environmental issues affecting coastal areas, including groundwater contamination from saline intrusion and the increasing risks posed by storm surge during extreme weather events. She also discussed how hydrodynamic modeling and scientific assessments can inform planning strategies that enhance climate resilience in coastal communities.
The activity provided BSABE students with valuable insights into real-world applications of engineering tools and research methods used in water resources, watershed management, and coastal engineering. Through the exchange, students gained a deeper understanding of how their field contributes to addressing environmental challenges and supporting sustainable development.
The initiative reflects the continuing commitment of MMSU researchers to mentor future engineers and to promote the practical application of science and engineering in solving pressing environmental and community issues.

10/03/2026

MMSU Conducts GIS Training for LGU Pinili to Strengthen Data-Driven Local Governance

By Ma. Gloann Leizel P. Longboy

In support of the capacity-building initiatives of LGU-Pinili and in line with the extension mandate of Mariano Marcos State University to deliver community service through training and technical assistance, a team of researchers conducted a three-day Geographic Information System (GIS) training on March 4–6, 2026 at the COASTER Building in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

The training forms part of the University’s extension project, “LGU BRIDGE: Building Resilient, Inclusive, Data-Guided Governance through GIS Empowerment,” which aims to strengthen the technical capacities of local government units in spatial analysis and hazard mapping for improved local planning and disaster preparedness. The initiative also supports the University’s SUCCEED agenda, particularly in delivering comprehensive customer and community service.

The activity was led by researchers from the Regional Research and Training Center for Climate Change Studies and the Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center. The training team was headed by RRTCCS Chief Dr. Cristina D. Valentin and COASTER Chief Engr. Christine B. Mata, who facilitated sessions together with other technical experts from the University: Dr. Rodel T. Utrera, Engr. Ma. Gloann Leizel Longboy, Ms. Rizza Mae Ubado, and Engr. Tristan Janryll Mata.

A total of 14 participants from various departments of LGU Pinili attended the training. The program provided a comprehensive learning experience through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises covering QGIS fundamentals, flood hazard and vulnerability assessment, and soil erosion mapping using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE).

Through this initiative, LGU Pinili enhanced its capacity to utilize spatial data and geospatial technologies in decision-making processes. The training is expected to support the municipality’s ongoing efforts in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience planning, and sustainable land management, further strengthening collaboration between MMSU and local government partners.

11/12/2025

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐨𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐖 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Engr. Christopher T. Zamuco of the Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center (COASTER) bagged 1st place in the 3D Disenyo Ko ‘To! competition during the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTIW) 2025 of the Department of Science and Technology.

His winning entry—a Modular Solar-Powered 3D-Printed Buoy—showcases an innovative, eco-friendly approach to coastal monitoring. Built from recycled PETG and powered by solar energy, the buoy integrates sensors that track waves, tides, temperature, and humidity. The design highlights how sustainable materials and renewable energy can drive smarter, more resilient coastal communities.

04/12/2025

𝑪𝑶𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑹&𝑫 𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒎

By Kenneth A. Tabieros

The Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center (COASTER) earned multiple top recognitions at the 6th Industry, Energy & Emerging Technology Research and Development Competition, held during the 3rd Region 1 Research, Development, and Innovation Symposium at Mariano Marcos State University’s Center for Flexible Learning from November 26 to 28.

COASTER secured first place in the Professional Category Poster Competition for their entry, “When Waves Meet Walls: Engineering Better Structures for Resilient, Sustainable Coasts.”

The team also earned third place in the Best Research Paper Competition (Professional Category) for the study “Laboratory Investigation of Wave-Structure Interactions for Existing and Geometrically Modified Seawalls: Overtopping, Run-up, and Rundown Analysis,” presented by Engr. Jade P. Calumpit.

Meanwhile, another COASTER team won third prize in the SILLAG iti TAAW Reverse Pitching Competition, where they presented the Integrated Coastal Modeling System, a decision-support tool designed to help communities and planners assess coastal hazards more effectively.

Through these achievements, COASTER researchers highlighted the significance of advancing coastal management technologies and developing safer, more resilient coastal communities across the region.

The symposium convened four major research consortia: the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC); the Region 1 Health Research and Development Consortium (R1HRDC), which served as host; the Ilocos Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (ICIEERD); and the newly formed Sustainability, Innovation, Leadership, Linkages, Access, and Growth (SILLAG) consortium.

With the theme “Pioneering Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Next Generation Technologies for Health, Industry, Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources,” the event gathered higher education institutions and government agencies to showcase innovative research outputs and foster collaborations aimed at addressing regional challenges and advancing sustainable development.

COASTER also presented additional research outputs during the symposium. Engr. Christine B. Mata showcased her study, “Predictive Ability of Delft3D-Based Storm Surge Forecasts Using Historical and Forecasted Typhoon Tracks,” in ICIEERD’s Research Paper Competition (Professional Category). Meanwhile, Engr. Ma. Gloann Leizel P. Longboy competed in ILAARRDEC’s poster presentation (Research Category) with “Suitability of GSMaP Satellite Rainfall Data to Estimate Runoff in the Abra River Basin.”

The symposium continues to serve as an important platform for research collaboration addressing the region’s most pressing needs across health, industry, agriculture, and natural resources.

26/11/2025

𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐖 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Coastal Engineering and Management R&D Center (COASTER) proudly participated in the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) held on November 18–21, 2025 at SM Laoag, Ilocos Norte, organized by ICIEERD Region 1 under DOST.

During the four-day celebration themed “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” COASTER presented cutting-edge research outputs that support coastal protection, marine safety, and innovation in engineering.

Exhibited Technologies & Projects:

Wave Flume Equipment – Demonstrating real-time coastal wave simulations for research, testing, and education.

Scaled Coastal Structure Models – Showcasing engineered solutions for shoreline protection and wave mitigation.

COASTER Software Platform – Featuring near real-time coastal monitoring tools, data visualization, and decision-support systems.

R&D Projects under the COASTER Program – Highlighting ongoing studies and technologies dedicated to coastal monitoring.

The exhibit allowed visitors, stakeholders, and partner agencies to experience firsthand COASTER’s commitment to advancing coastal science and supporting communities in Region 1 and beyond.

We extend our gratitude to ICIEERD Region 1 and DOST Regional Office 1 for inviting us to be part of this national celebration of innovation. COASTER remains dedicated to developing technologies that strengthen coastal safety, sustainability, and disaster preparedness.

04/11/2025

𝐌𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚

Two full-time researchers from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) proudly represented the Philippines at the 46th Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) held at The Rinra Hotel, Makassar, Indonesia, from October 27 to 31, 2025.

The prestigious international conference, organized by the Indonesian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS/MAPIN) in collaboration with the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS) and endorsed by leading institutions, this year’s conference was held under the theme “harnessing Remote Sensing for Global Sustainability, Resilience and Technology Innovation”. This event brought together over 235 participants from more than 15 countries across Asia and beyond. With more than 300 full papers presented, the ACRS 2025 served as a vital platform for scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals to share advancements in the fields of remote sensing, geospatial science, and earth observation technologies.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony followed by three plenary sessions that featured renowned keynote and invited speakers from leading institutions in Asia. The technical sessions spanned oral presentation sessions, poster sessions, and International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) special sessions, showcasing innovations and collaborations that push the frontiers of geospatial applications.
Representing the Philippines, Engr. Rodel T. Utrera and Engr. Christine B. Mata of MMSU joined eight other Filipino delegates in presenting their research papers to the international community.

Engr. Utrera presented three papers:
1) Mapping Potential Saltern Areas Using Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis of Physical and Climatic Parameters for Sustainable and Innovative Salt Production;
2) Mapping and Classification of Crystallization Ponds in Pangasinan Using Sentinel-1 InSAR and Optical Data; and
3) Assessing GSMaP Satellite-based Precipitation for Runoff Modelling in a Data-Scarce Mountainous Basin: A Case Study of the River Basin, Philippines

Meanwhile, Engr. Mata presented two papers titled:
1. Predictive Ability of Delft3D-based Storm Surge Forecasts Using Historical and Forecasted Typhoon Tracks; and
2. Evaluating CHIRPS Satellite-based Rainfall Data for Hydrologic Modelling and Climate Impact Assessment in the Abra River Basin, Philippines

The first two papers were conducted under the ASIN (Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation) Center – Project 1 at MMSU, while the latter three were outputs of the COASTER (Coastal Engineering and Management) R&D Center. Both are flagship research programs of MMSU focused on advancing coastal and climate resilience, led by Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog. These projects are funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Their participation highlights MMSU’s growing leadership in applied geospatial science. The event did not only provide a platform for MMSU researchers to present their research outputs but also ensured global visibility of their work. All papers will be published in its e-proceedings, with submissions processed for inclusion in Scopus, Web of Science, and ResearchGate.
The conference concluded with a closing ceremony that underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration and data-driven innovation to address the environmental and developmental challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region.

17/10/2025

Empowering LGUs on Hazard Mapping through GIS: the role of RRTCCS and COASTER

by: Christine Mata

Upholding Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU) commitment to advancing science and technology for community development, Dr. Cristina D. Valentin, Chief of the Regional Research and Training Center for Climate Change Studies (RRTCCS), in collaboration with the Coastal Engineering Research and Development Center (COASTER), spearheaded a three-day capacity-building activity titled “Empowering LGUs through GIS Training on Hazard Mapping” held on October 8–10, 2025, at the COASTER Building, MMSU, Batac City. The training formed part of the LGU-Bridge Extension Project, which aims to strengthen local government units’ technical capacities in spatial analysis and hazard mapping for better-informed planning and disaster resilience.

In support of the ongoing efforts to enhance local planning and disaster risk reduction initiatives, the activity was jointly organized by the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) – Ilocos Norte, LGU-Badoc, and MMSU experts. The three-day event combined lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises using QGIS, an open-source geographic information system software.

The first day focused on introducing the participants to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Engr. Christine B. Mata discussed key GIS concepts, data types (vector and raster), and coordinate systems. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises focusing on navigating the QGIS interface, adding basemaps, and downloading OpenStreetMap (OSM) features. At the end of the day, participants successfully generated their first land cover map of Badoc, showcasing their municipality’s administrative boundaries and key geographic features.

Building upon the previous day’s foundation, Engr. Christopher T. Zamuco introduced participants to online data sources such as GeoRisk PH and HazardHunterPH. Participants practiced downloading and visualizing hazard datasets relevant to their locality. Under the guidance of Dr. Rodel T. Utrera, they learned georeferencing and digitizing techniques. Second day exercises focused on the value of GIS in preparing maps from readily abailable hazard maps.

The final day focused on hazard mapping and risk assessment headed by Engr. Ma. Gloann Leizel Longboy and Ms. Rizza Mae Ubado. Lecture and hand-on focused mainly on applying GIS analysis to compute population exposure and create final hazard maps. Participants overlaid hazard data with administrative and census layers to quantify risk areas and affected populations. The day concludes with a map layouting session, output presentation, and closing program.

10/09/2025

HANDA Pilipinas Luzon Leg 2025: Showcasing STI for Disaster Resilience

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) successfully held the HANDA Pilipinas Luzon Leg 2025 from August 7–9 at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City. The event, part of the nationwide HANDA Pilipinas platform, highlighted science, technology, and innovation (STI) solutions for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA).

With the theme “Bida ang Handa: STI for a Smart and Resilient Luzon,” the Luzon leg addressed the region’s vulnerabilities to earthquakes, landslides, flooding, forest fires, and volcanic eruptions. Participants included government agencies, LGUs, academe, private partners, and civil society.

A key feature was the Coastal Engineering Research Center (COASTER), the country’s first hub for coastal resiliency research. COASTER presented projects on erosion management, coastal flooding prediction, bio-enhanced concrete, and wave testing for infrastructure design.

Exhibit highlights included:
Buoy Monitoring System for real-time ocean tracking
3D-Printed Coastal Structures to mitigate erosion
COASTER Website with hazard maps, typhoon simulation, and flood advisories

Engagements with local leaders and international partners opened discussions on integrating global weather data and expanding collaboration on water and coastal resource management.

Through exhibits, forums, and capacity-building sessions, the event strengthened community resilience and emphasized the crucial role of STI in building a proactive and disaster-ready Philippines.

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