The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is conducting a six-day seminar-workshop on the rapid earthquake damage assessment system, or REDAS, in Dumaguete City, with local government units from Negros Oriental and Occidental, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor represented.

The activity is hosted by the provincial government of Negros Oriental, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office, in partnership with the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators, headed by PLO Joy Gongob.

It focuses on the use of the REDAS software to mainstream disaster risk reduction and hazard assessment into land use planning at the local government level, and with the provincial development and physical framework plan.

Government agencies are asked to integrate their individual plans for disaster risk reduction and response, and possible solutions in time of calamity.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo said the Phivolcs was asked to conduct the workshop to enhance existing knowledge and learn new methods and mitigating measures during earthquakes.

He added that it is strong commitment of the province to be prepared and respond to calamities and target a zero casualty.*JFP