21/07/2026
๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ we ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐๐ง, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ณ๐จ๐ง
The Center for Hazard and Environmental Resource Mapping (CHERM) of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) successfully conducted the extension program "GIS for Barangay DRRM Officers: Enhancing Community Resilience through Geospatial Technologies" in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Atimonan, Quezon last July 10,2026.
The one-day capability-building activity gathered Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) Officers from across the municipality to enhance their knowledge and skills in utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and evidence-based community planning.
The training featured a series of insightful lectures and interactive hands-on workshops facilitated by Dr. Ronald C. Garcia, Center Chief of CHERM; Mr. Raffy D. Gordula, MSc, Faculty Member of the SLSU College of Agriculture; Mr. Almar John A. Luna, MSc, of the Mt. Banahaw Nature Conservation and Research Center; and Ms. Phoebe Ann Hadaza V. Barba, MSc, Science Research Analyst of CHERM. The sessions introduced participants to the fundamentals of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), hazard map interpretation, geospatial data analysis, and the practical application of QGIS, an open-source GIS platform widely used for spatial planning and disaster management. Participants also gained a deeper appreciation of how geospatial technologies can be integrated into barangay planning to support disaster preparedness, emergency response, and risk mitigation.
A key highlight of the activity was the participatory workshop sessions, where participants collaborated in interpreting hazard maps, identifying community resources and vulnerable areas, preparing Barangay Hazard and Resource Maps, and developing GIS-based evacuation plans. These practical exercises enabled participants to apply newly acquired knowledge to realistic DRRM scenarios, demonstrating how spatial information can serve as a powerful tool for informed decision-making and effective disaster management at the local level.
The enthusiasm, active participation, and collaboration displayed by the Barangay DRRM Officers throughout the training reflected their strong commitment to building safer and more resilient communities. The workshop outputs showcased not only their developing technical competencies but also their readiness to integrate GIS into local disaster risk reduction initiatives and barangay development planning.
The successful implementation of the program was made possible through the collective efforts of SLSU-CHERM, the Local Government Unit of Atimonan, the resource speakers, facilitators, and partner agencies whose expertise and unwavering support contributed significantly to the activity's success. Their shared commitment to advancing geospatial literacy among local government frontliners continues to strengthen disaster resilience and promote evidence-based governance at the grassroots level.
As a DOST CALABARZON Service Laboratory and one of Southern Luzon State University's Research and Extension Centers, SLSU-CHERM remains committed to empowering local government units through geospatial innovation, technical assistance, research, and capacity-building initiatives. Through the GIS4LGU (Geospatial Innovation and Solutions for Local Government Units) program, CHERM continues to champion the use of geospatial technologies in fostering resilient communities, informed governance, and sustainable local development.
Together, we are building safer, smarter, and more resilient communitiesโone map, one barangay, and one partnership at a time.
Captioned and layouted by: PVBarba
