Efforts are underway to secure updated climate and disaster hazard maps for all local government units in the Third District of Negros Occidental to strengthen disaster preparedness and risk-informed planning.
Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), the Philippines’ primary science-based hazard assessment program under the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, recently visited the district to discuss hazard mapping needs.
Project NOAH generates high-resolution flood, landslide, and storm surge hazard maps and supports climate risk assessment, which helps local governments plan infrastructure, drainage, and flood control.
Benitez said earlier mapping efforts did not include some areas such as Talisay City, prompting calls for comprehensive updated hazard data covering all towns and cities in the district.
He said the updated maps will show where flooding is likely and guide the placement of correct infrastructure, making planning and disaster response more science-based and risk-informed.
Benitez, who championed increased funding for Project NOAH, expressed optimism that a portion of the recently enacted P1 billion budget allocation will expedite hazard mapping and disaster risk services nationwide.
“Hopefully this year we will have updated hazard maps,” Benitez said, noting the maps are crucial for areas experiencing repeated flooding and other climate hazards.
He thanked Project NOAH officials for the visit and said the proposal to update hazard maps will be pitched to other local government units in Negros Occidental, including highly urbanized cities such as Bacolod.
Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay said teams will conduct climate and disaster risk assessment training and field activities across the Third District’s towns and cities.
Lagmay said climate and disaster risk assessments provide the basis for risk-informed plans, and without them, communities cannot anticipate disasters effectively.
He added that while funding is being finalized, NOAH has already begun coordination with local governments to start assessment and mapping work.*
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